General

More interactive animations covering various topics in physics and engineering: Fourier synthesis, PID controllers, celestial body simulation, conservation of momentum and more.

Mechanical Work

This animation illustrates the concept of mechanical work \( W = F \cdot s \) using a driving car as an example. In the work diagram, the work done appears as the area beneath the force-distance curve. Links Description of the Animation Use the accelerator pedal to speed up the car. The arrows on the… Read More: Mechanical Work »

Dutch Windmill

The following interactive 3D model shows a historical post windmill of Dutch design with its essential constructional elements. By clicking on the colored objects, information about the respective component is displayed. Links Description The 3D model depicts a traditional windmill of the type used for centuries to grind grain. Shown are the external components (sails,… Read More: Dutch Windmill »

PID Controller

The following animation illustrates the operation of a PID controller using the example of a water level control system. Control behavior, manipulated variable, and disturbance influence are visualized in real time. Links Animation Description The animation shows a water tank as the controlled system (plant) with an inflow (manipulated variable) and an outflow (disturbance variable).… Read More: PID Controller »

Transistor Characteristic Field

The following animation illustrates the characteristic curve family of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in a common-emitter configuration. Input, output, transfer, and current gain characteristics are displayed together in a four-quadrant diagram and interactively linked. Links Description of the Animation The animation shows a simple transistor circuit (common-emitter configuration) on the left, with a collector… Read More: Transistor Characteristic Field »

Functional Principle of a Voltage Divider

The following animation illustrates the functional principle of a voltage divider. Voltage dividers are of central importance for electrical signal processing. Description A voltage divider is a series circuit that divides an input voltage into two smaller output voltages. The magnitude of the output voltages depends on the ratio of the resistance values. The greater… Read More: Functional Principle of a Voltage Divider »

Funktionsweise eines Konfokalmikroskops

Die Animation veranschaulicht die Funktionsweise eines Konfokalmikroskops. Gezeigt wird der Querschnitt durch den idealisierten Aufbau. Eine monochromatische Lichtquelle strahlt die Oberfläche an. Die Lichtstrahlen gelangen auf jeden Punkt. Aus der Intensität der reflektierten Strahlen lässt sich die Entfernung der angestrahlten Punkte bestimmen. Hinweis zur Benutzung Fenster lassen sich per Klick vergrößern oder verkleinern. Für den… Read More: Funktionsweise eines Konfokalmikroskops »

Principle of a PID Controller Using the Example of Ship Navigation

This animation illustrates the principle of a PID controller. A ship is shown in top view and can be steered manually using the arrow keys. Alternatively, a PID controller can adjust the course. PID controllers and the simpler P or PI controllers can be found in almost every household. Typical examples are the central heating,… Read More: Principle of a PID Controller Using the Example of Ship… »

Diffusion and Drift (Analogy Model for Solar Technology)

The simulation illustrates how diffusion and drift affect the spatial distribution of charge carriers – two processes fundamental to understanding solar cells. Links Description In an illuminated semiconductor material, free charge carriers are generated: electrons and holes. Both initially move randomly through the material (diffusion). Holes form when electrons leave their lattice sites – they… Read More: Diffusion and Drift (Analogy Model for Solar Technology) »

Thermodynamics of a Four-Stroke Engine

The following animation shows a single-cylinder four-stroke engine in section. The crank mechanism and the valve train move in step with the crank angle, the gas exchange and combustion are shown in colour, and a pV diagram running alongside links every crank position to the thermodynamic cycle. Engine speed and crank angle can be changed… Read More: Thermodynamics of a Four-Stroke Engine »

Conduction Processes in Semiconductors

The three videos use the band model to illustrate how charge carriers move in semiconductors. The first video shows undoped semiconductor material. The conduction band is visible at the top and the valence band at the bottom. A single electron is excited and moves into the conduction band. Due to an externally applied electric field,… Read More: Conduction Processes in Semiconductors »