I need the program to have the basic functionality and ease of use of Phunland, specifically the motion and freedom of material shape, but also the ability for precise measurements, and a 3-D enviroment. Most important are the operations of electricity and magnetism, and the energy and motion caused therefrom. I also need support for varying material types concerning electrical and magnetic conductivity (much as one can change certain material attributes in Phunland). I am looking primarily for dipoled magnets, monopoles if they are handy, but don't make any issue of them... The magnets MUST be shapable unto any dimensions; the method for structural design in SolidWroks is very easy to work with, and enables the user to creat almost any shape(s) they wish to use.
I will need to be able to move nd form peices of differant material types, into differant shapes with exact measurements. I referance solidworks because I need highschool students with little CAD experience to be able to use this program - so something simple like Solidworks drawing system is good, nothing too complex
With the solid works example, look specifically at the technique of drawing shapes in a 2-D field, then expanding them into 3D, & further shaping them: such as to draw a 2-D shape on surface of one of the object's planes, & making a hole in the 3-D object, or to extrude the 2nd 2-D drawing into another structure protruding from the first, and shaing, curving & otherwise changing the shape of things. All with exacting dimensions, and precise measured placement.
An example of what I intend to use the program for is a virtual physics demonstration for my students; I intend specifically for the students to design and test some of the classic "perpetual motion machines", and maybe some of their own, for a live demonstration, without the major material costs.
Again the most important attribute of all is simulation of electromagnetism - magnets' north and south, magnetic induction by multiple varying materials - partial and full, especially to the end of electrical current being produced, and running through wire(s) of differant types. Some built in basic wire and battery functionality would be nice, but it is enough to be able to produce them from materials in the program. I must have a way to test magnetic fields, with visual representations, and to test electrical currents as well. Be sure to include at least one material to act as a magnetic shield. I will need to be able to save single components, and assemblies and import them into other projects with full functionality.
If a program such as I have described exists already, please lead me to it, but I have done extensive searches, and have not found anything short of several hundred $US...
Websites of interest for reference:
http://www.phunland.com/wiki/Home
http://www.solidworks.com/