Vector Field and Flow Lines Model

The Vector Field and Flow Lines simulation displays a grid of arrows that show the direction of the field at each grid point. The arrow color and intensity change from light blue to red as as the field strength increases. Users can:

• Change the F(x,y) and G(x,y) vector field component functions.
• Use the slider to change the number of gid points.
• Display the orthogonal flow by selecting the O-mode check box.
• Resize and drag the simulation window.

Click within the vector field to select one or more starting locations and Run the simulation to observe the flow.

The Vector Field and Flow Lines simulation was developed by Wolfgang Christian (Davidson College) using the Open Source Physics code library. It was converted from Java to JavaScript by Wolfgang Christian and Robert Hanson (St. Olaf College) using the SwingJS system developed at St. Olaf College.