Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For K-12 Students · 3D Heat Diffusion

3D Heat Diffusion for a yo-yo

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a yo-yo live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

3D Heat Diffusion StudioLive

3D finite difference · ∂u/∂t = α∇³u

Controls

Speed1×

Presets

Diffusivity α

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Grid40³

Cells64,000

SchemeExplicit FD

Governing equation

\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} = 0.12 \nabla^{2} u = 0.12 (u_{xx} + u_{y y} + u_{z z})

Reading this result: Heat spreads outward at a rate set by the diffusivity — each cell relaxes toward the average of its six neighbors every step.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers First Responders General version →

More with 3D Heat Diffusion

3D Heat Diffusion for a projectile from a cannon 3D Heat Diffusion for a bouncing ball 3D Heat Diffusion for a pendulum clock 3D Heat Diffusion for a car braking 3D Heat Diffusion for a roller-coaster loop 3D Heat Diffusion for a satellite orbit 3D Heat Diffusion for a mass on a spring 3D Heat Diffusion for a skydiver's free fall

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?: Yes — this version of "3D Heat Diffusion for a yo-yo" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.