Probabilistic Cellular Automata for Granular Media in Video Games

Granular materials are very common in the everyday world. Media such as sand, soil, gravel, food stuffs, pharmaceuticals, etc. all have similar irregular flow since they composed of numerous small solid particles. In video games, simulating these increases immersion and can be used for various game mechanics. Computationally, full scale simulation is not typically feasible except on most powerful hardware tends to reduced priority favor other, more integral, gameplay features. Here we study computational qualitative aspects side profile sand-like particles using cellular automata (CA). Our CA uses a standard square lattice that updates via custom, modified Margolus neighborhood. Each update occurs set probabilistic transitions tuned simulate friction between We focus look sandpile structure created from an hourglass shape over time different transition probabilities impact simulation. The toppling behavior final sandpiles largely dependent chosen probabilities. As probability topple decreases, representing greater friction, elongated begin form, leading longer settling times.