Test Verification Guide

Quick reference for testing orbital mechanics using configs/test_simple.txt.

Test Command

make
./orbit_sim configs/test_simple.txt --headless --readable --days 365

Test Bodies

Sun: Origin (0, 0, 0)
Earth: 1.0 AU, circular orbit (e=0), period ~365 days
Mars: 1.5 AU, circular orbit (e=0), period ~687 days
Comet: 2.5 AU semi-major axis, eccentric orbit (e=0.7), period ~1444 days
- Starts at perihelion (0.75 AU)
- Aphelion at 4.25 AU

All orbit counter-clockwise (viewed from +Z).

Expected Behavior

Circular orbits (Earth, Mars):

Distance from Sun remains constant
Velocity magnitude remains constant
- Earth: ~29.8 km/s
- Mars: ~24.3 km/s
Return to starting position after full period

Eccentric orbit (Comet):

Distance varies: 0.75 AU (perihelion) to 4.25 AU (aphelion)
Velocity varies: faster at perihelion, slower at aphelion
Period ~1444 days

Quick Tests

# Earth full orbit
./orbit_sim configs/test_simple.txt --headless --readable --days 365

# Mars full orbit
./orbit_sim configs/test_simple.txt --headless --readable --days 687

# Comet full orbit (eccentric)
./orbit_sim configs/test_simple.txt --headless --readable --days 1444

Acceptable Tolerances

Due to Euler integration with dt=60s:

Distance variation: ±0.001 AU
Velocity variation: ±0.1 km/s
Position after full orbit: Within 0.01 AU of start

Output Flags

--headless: Terminal output only (no GUI)
--readable: Human-friendly units (AU, km/s) instead of SI (m, m/s)
--days N: Simulation duration in days

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