Rendering physical systems in computer simulations can be a daunting task even for the best of programmers, and more so if more than one model parameter is required. If you’re familiar with MATLAB or Eigen, then you know what it takes to develop some of these simulations and the number of lines of complex code each can include. Oh, and make it run fast. What if you could write fast phys sim code and less of it? A small band of researchers have made it possible for you to do just that and they’ve made it completely open-source. Simit is a language for building physical simulation algorithms. In an effort…

As one of the most useful suites of creative applications for designers on the iPad, the Morpholio collection of apps –– which range from digital sketching to portfolio management –– is indispensable for today’s on-the-go tablet creators. With the recent “Stencil” update to their Trace app last week, users can now create reusable digital “stencils” from any analog photograph or sketch while generating ideas on the iPad. Similar to Photoshop brushes, this new patent-pending feature lets a designer create an infinitely reusable digital stamp of literally any object –– meaning, creating a reusable background template or any other asset that can be used to speed up your digital workflow is as…

This week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist knocks you in the pop sockets with head-boppin’ groove tuneage to help propel you through the work week in style. Whether you find yourself inking markers until they’re dry, grinding material through a bandsaw or working that 3D geometry all day, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week we’ll start things off with “My Plants Are Dead” from Blonde Redhead and work our way through tracks from Clams Casino, Mercury Rev, GoGo Penguin, Laura Groves and others before wrapping up with “Heartbroken in Love” from Bones & Beeker. Have suggestions? As always, let us know what you listen to, what…

Mondays might not be your favorite day of the week, but the good news is that we’re all in this together ladies and gentlemen. As purveyors of prime Grade A web content, the SolidSmack crew has done some of the heavy-lifting to make sure you get your Mondays started on the right track. Welcome to The Monday List. Each Monday, we’ll link you up with some of the most insightful, informative, and socially-relevant stories to keep tabbed, bookmarked, reading listed, pocketed, or what have you. Be sure to check in each Monday morning for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight from the source of your favorite homegrown…

Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader. The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top ten stories on SolidSmack this past week. Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too. This Rockin’ Poster is a Cheat Sheet for Using Your Body as a Personal Measuring Device “What if you were able to memorize parts of your own body and knew exactly…

Round and round the box we walked, thumping it ever so lightly now and then, waiting but a moment to hear a returning thump, followed by a short squeal and a puff of dust from the opposite corner. It wasn’t long before we realized, looking around to the corners of the room that we were the ones in the box, trapped by the boundaries of these links. Jan Buragay – These mecha are magnificent. A pen and ink, with water color style that is just mouth watering. Loads of ships as well. Whiskey Glass – Some would just model and render a whiskey glass, but Marcello Barenghi draws it perfectly,…