Ragdoll physics

Ragdoll physics is a form of interconnected rigid physics system in which avatar and other multi-part objects consist of a series of rigid bodies chained together by flexible joints. The ragdoll aspect is because these systems do not account for muscle resistance, or joint stiffness, so the joints flop around like they are made of rags. But, using this physics system, realistic-ish body movements become possible, without pre-scripting.

Ragdoll physics also comes in the following refinements: verlet integration, inverse kinematics, Blended ragdoll, and procedurally animated ragdoll. Due to the complexity of animation, and the CPU overhead, on animations designed for older computers, minor joints, such as fingers and toes, are usually left out.

Additionally, bounding objects are almost exclusively used for ragdoll collisions, to greatly simplify the calculations.

Below, we offer a selection of links from our resource databases which may match this term.

Procedural Animation

Ragdoll physics

Rigid Body Dynamics

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Robot Dynamics Algorithms

Whilst over 30 years old now, this book is one of those whose usefulness is never likely to fade. It is a physics book, dealing with the mathematics and physical constraints of getting any rigid body jointed system to move as desired. Designed initially with robots in mind, long before the avatar, the maths contained within is ideal for grounding on ragdoll physics as used with avatars.

C++ Data Structures for Rigid-Body Physics
A worthwhile look at the benefits of using C++ over C for complex tasks, such as physics.

Game Physics Engine Development

There are a large number of new developers coming into the market for physics engines that need help through this complex process. Current introductory books are inadequate; they don't bring enough real-world programming experience to the task. There is a need for an introductory book on game physics with solid coding guidance but which limits the math content. This book tries to fill that void.

3D Physics SDK > PhysX
The PhysX SDK and related hardware acceleration is designed as a method for realtime physics calculations, rather than expecting every developer to code from scratch.

Large Image Display: Animatrix: Beyond: A No-Physics Zone
The Matrix distorts when a freak corruption of data creates a no-physics zone in a thin layer paralleling the floor. An advanced replication of gravity warping accidents that happen in ActiveWorlds and Second Life, today.

Understanding the Science of Running
Running is not as simple a process as it seems at first glance. The physics of this type of movement is very different to the physics of walking, and as a result the leg and body movements are radically different. If we wish to recreate realistic running in either embodied robotic form, or via sequences for VR, then we need to understand this process intimately.

Lone Developer Physics Simulation
Good paper by lone game developer Jeff Lander on creating a physice simulator.

Simulating the Connection Between Fluid Droplets and a Solid Surface
German researchers develop a simulation that approaches fluid dynamics from a new angle. Considering the makeup of the solid structures the droplets hit, as every bit as important as the physics of the droplet itself.

Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 Team Delivers First DARPA Limb Prototype
An international team led by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the US, has developed a prototype of the first fully integrated prosthetic arm that can be controlled naturally, including the provision of sensory feedback and allows for eight degrees of freedom. This is an order of magnitude beyond previous efforts, including the haptic arm of Claudia Mitchell.

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