Physics Demo Alpha 0.0.3

This is the initial demo of Soapbox 1 meant to showcase the early physics model.

Mechanics

• Tire physics -- Pacejka-lite
  • The tires physics are implemented with what I like to call a Pacejka-lite model.
  • The full Pacejka model is overkill and complicated with over 30 parameters to tune the behavior of tires.
  • I implemented similar behavior to the Pacejka tire model but with limited and easy to understand parameters like peak grip and peak slip angle
  • There is still some tuning to do with the physics. Fortunately, my focus was on building tools to make tuning easier
• Suspension physics
  • The suspension is a simple spring and damper simulation.
  • Like the tire model, I made the behavior easily tunable
• Aero physics
  • I implemented physics for aerodynamic surfaces to provide more grip at high speeds at the cost of increased drag.
• Energy recovery system
  • Since this game is intended to be the Formula 1 of soapbox racing, I added an ERS system that allows you to deploy battery charge to accelerate the car
  • The battery is charged by turning an imaginary generator attached to the imaginary crankshaft of the car.
  • The recharge rate is dependent on the current speed of the car
  • When the battery is recharging, there is a rolling resistance applied to the car.
• Drag reduction system
  • Similar to ERS, the DRS is a feature of Formula 1 racing that I included.
  • This opens up the rear wind to decrease drag on straights which also reduces the downforce that generates grip.
  • Normally, DRS would only be available in specified DRS zones, but I have yet to implement DRS zones, so it can be deployed anytime.