3D Car Physics Simulation Focused on Games

In this study, different 3D and vehicle dynamics concepts are discussed in an attempt to simulate car physics. The fact that the software developed is focused on games means that the software and the research conducted have tried to take into account concepts that can be useful for other domains as well.

For a 3D car, acceleration, braking, cornering, gear shifting, weight transfer and suspension system were considered.

For easier implementation of the research, the Unity game engine was preferred. However, in order to make the study more inclusive, except for collision detection and collision response, the other calculations were done from the scratch. Since collision situations are very extensive and not the focus of this study, the physics engine is given the final linear and angular velocity of the car and an interactive 3D simulation can be achieved.

In this way, game developers can use the parameters of their favorite car to experience a 3D car with the characteristics of that car.

A Successor to 2 Old References

This project can arguably be considered as a successor to these studies:

1. Monster, M. 2003. Car Physics for Games: https://www.asawicki.info/Mirror/Car%20Physics%20for%20Games/Car%20Physics%20for%20Games.html
2. Srisuchat, P. 2012. Development of a car physics engine for games: https://nccastaff.bournemouth.ac.uk/jmacey/MastersProject/MSc12/Srisuchat

Documentation & Demo Project

• Click Here for the full documentation.
• Demo project files are located at Assets folder.

Customizing Collisions

As the final linear and angular velocity is given to the physics engine, by changing the mass value of RigidBody, you can manipulate the collision responses to your car without affecting its actual movement:

(Left: mass=Mass/10, Middle: mass=Mass, Right: mass=Mass*10)

Notes

If you want to check the demo scene, Make sure you're using the Built-In Render Pipeline; You can activate it this way:

• In your project settings → graphics, remove the default render pipeline asset.
• In your project settings → quality settings, remove the render pipeline asset for each quality level.

How to Play

• Press mouse left button to increase the throttle position.
• Press mouse right button to decrease the throttle position.
• Press mouse middle button to brake.
• Use A and D keys to turn left and right.
• Press Enter key to restart the scene.