# DC Motor 3D Simulator

> Interactive 3D simulation of a DC motor for physics education. (iPhone/iPad app by loo kang wee.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-motor-3d-simulator/id1162611119 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [loo kang wee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1231378973)
- Category: Education, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 16 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2016-10-12
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-motor-3d-simulator/id1162611119/reviews.md

## What is DC Motor 3D Simulator?

About
An open source physics at Singapore simulation based on codes written by Fu-Kwun Hwang and Loo Kang WEE. 
more resources can be found here
http://iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/05-electricity-and-magnetism
Introduction
Electric motors turn electricity into motion by exploiting electromagnetic induction. A current-carrying loop that is placed in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect.A simple direct current (DC) motor is illustrated here. ABCD is mounted on an axle PQ. The ends of the wire are connected to a split ring commutator at position X & Y. The commutator rotates with the loop. Two carbon brushes are made to press lightly against the commutators.
The motor features a external magnet (called the stator because it’s fixed in place) and an turning coil of wire called an armature ( rotor or coil, because it rotates). The armature, carrying current provided by the battery, is an electromagnet, because a current-carrying wire generates a magnetic field; invisible magnetic field lines are circulating all around the wire of the armature.
The key to producing motion is positioning the electromagnet within the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (its field runs from its north to south poles). The armature experiences a force described by the left hand rule. This interplay of magnetic fields and moving charged particles (the electrons in the current) results in the magnetic force (depicted by the green arrows) that makes the armature spin because of the torque. Use the slider current I to see what happens when the flow of current is reversed. The checkbox current flow & electron flow alows different visualization since I = d(Q)/dt and Q= number of charge*e. The Play & Pause button allows freezing the 3D view for visualizing these forces, for checking for consistency with the left hand rule .

Interesting Fact
This simulation has real 3D perspective view and is targeted for O level Physics education, has a split-ring commutator designed inside it.
The purpose of the commutator is to reverses the direction of the current in the loop ABCD for every half a cycle.
A swing back and fro motion (maybe θ = 90o increase to 270o and decrease back to 90o) is all you would get out of this motor if it weren't for the split-ring commutator — the circular metal device split into parts (shown here in teal with a gap of β2) that connects the armature to the circuit.

Acknowledgement
My sincere gratitude for the tireless contributions of Francisco Esquembre, Fu-Kwun Hwang, Wolfgang Christian, Félix Jesús Garcia Clemente, Anne Cox, Andrew Duffy, Todd Timberlake and many more in the Open Source Physics community.

Network Learn together?
FaceBook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Open-Source-Physics-Easy-Java-Simulation-Tracker-132622246810575/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lookang
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lookang/videos
Blog: http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/
Digital Library: http://iwant2study.org/ospsg/

## Key features

- 3D perspective view
- Interactive simulation
- Adjustable current slider
- Current and electron flow visualization
- Play/Pause functionality
- Split-ring commutator design


## Frequently asked questions about DC Motor 3D Simulator

### What is the main purpose of DC Motor 3D Simulator?

DC Motor 3D Simulator is designed to help users understand how electric motors convert electricity into motion through electromagnetic induction. It visually demonstrates the forces and torque involved in a DC motor's operation.

### How does DC Motor 3D Simulator help in learning physics?

The app provides an interactive 3D environment where users can manipulate variables like current and observe their effects on the motor's rotation. This hands-on approach aids in grasping concepts like the left-hand rule and the function of a commutator.

### What specific components of a DC motor are illustrated?

The simulation clearly shows the external magnet (stator), the rotating coil (armature), and the split-ring commutator. It also visualizes the magnetic field lines and the forces acting on the armature.

### Can I control the simulation's parameters?

Yes, you can use a slider to adjust the current (I) and observe the resulting changes in motion. There are also checkboxes to toggle visualizations for current flow, electron flow, and forces.

### Is DC Motor 3D Simulator suitable for offline use?

The provided data does not specify offline capabilities. However, as a simulation-based educational tool, it is likely designed to run without a constant internet connection once installed.

### What devices is DC Motor 3D Simulator available on?

DC Motor 3D Simulator is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch devices, making it accessible across various Apple platforms.

### How often is DC Motor 3D Simulator updated?

The app was last updated on June 1, 2017, with version 0.0.3. This indicates a relatively infrequent update schedule for this particular educational simulation.

### What is the age rating for DC Motor 3D Simulator?

DC Motor 3D Simulator has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger students exploring basic physics concepts.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 0.0.3 — 2017-06-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

updated

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*