Initial steps for the coupling of JavaScript physics engines with X3DOM

During the past years, first physics engines based on JavaScript have been developed for web applications. These are capable of displaying virtual scenes much more realistically. Thus, new application areas can be opened up, particularly with regard to the coupling of X3DOM-based 3D models. The advantage is that web-based applications are easily accessible to all users. Furthermore, such engines allow popularizing and presenting simulation results without having to compile large simulation software. This paper provides an overview and a comparison of existing JavaScript physics engines. It also introduces a guideline for the derivation of a physical model based on a 3D model in X3DOM. The aim of using JavaScript physics engines is not only to virtually visualize designed products but to simulate them as well. The user is able to check and test an individual product virtually and interactively in a browser according to physically correct behavior regarding gravity, friction or collision. It can be used for verification in the design phase or web-based training purposes.