WHat is COMPASS ?
A Computational Physics Training Program
COMPASS guides you through a four-part journey in computational physics, beginning with the fundamentals of calculus and Python-based N-body simulations, moving into statistical mechanics and Monte Carlo explorations of magnetism, then diving into thermodynamics and molecular modeling, and finally challenging you to synthesize your new skills in a hands-on research project. Along the way, you’ll become fluent in numeric methods—from differential equations and optimization to data analysis—so you can turn complex physical theories into real-world simulations and insights, with top projects featured in the Physics Club’s journal.
COMPASS TIMELINE
COMPASS is structured into three main sections, each lasting approximately two weeks. At the end of each section, participants collaborate on a mini-project. The program concludes with the submission of a final research paper.
COMPASS 2025 Best Projects
Optimization and Comparative Analysis of N-Body Algorithms with Collision-Driven Shockwave Dynamics
Authors
Yahia Khaled, Youssef Ibrahim
Summary
A unified N‑body framework is presented that integrates Direct, Barnes–Hut, and Particle–Mesh solvers with a collision‑shockwave model. Using a Velocity Verlet integrator, runtime, conservation metrics, and parameter sweeps are evaluated across N=14–200. Substantial scaling gains are observed for Barnes–Hut and Particle–Mesh with controlled accuracy loss. Algorithm–parameter selection guidance is established by regime.
Project Score: 83/108
Comparative Analysis: Metropolis, Heat Bath, Wolff Cluster, and Swendsen-Wang Algorithms for a 2D Ising Model
Authors
Moaz Taha, Bishoy Hanna
Summary
Metropolis, Heat Bath, Wolff, and Swendsen–Wang algorithms are compared for the 2D Ising model near criticality. CPU time, autocorrelation, and thermodynamic observables are measured across temperatures and lattice sizes. Cluster methods suppress critical slowing down and sharpen Binder cumulant crossings used to locate Tc. Algorithmic efficiency and accuracy are delineated across thermal regimes.
Project Score: 85/112
Optimizing Shockwave N-body Simulations: A Comparative Study of Barnes–Hut and Particle–Mesh Algorithms for Scaling and Stability
Authors
Abdulrahman Hussein, Yahia Ahmed
Summary
Barnes–Hut and Particle–Mesh optimization strategies for collisional N‑body dynamics are analyzed against a brute‑force baseline. Performance, energy drift, and trajectory stability are compared across N=14,100,500 with systematic parameter sweeps. Barnes–Hut yields high‑fidelity orbits for clustered systems, while Particle–Mesh achieves near‑linear scaling for large N. Optimal opening angles and grid sizes are identified to balance accuracy and speed.
Project Score: 78/108
Comparative Analysis of the 2D Ising Model Utilizing Local Update and Cluster Algorithms
Authors
Faissel Mokhaimer, Nada Walid
Summary
Multiple Monte Carlo strategies for the 2D Ising model are evaluated, spanning local updates, cluster methods, and advanced sampling. Magnetization, energy, susceptibility, heat capacity, and autocorrelation metrics are tracked across temperatures and system sizes. Cluster algorithms remain efficient near Tc while local updates degrade, and both show limitations at very low temperatures. Algorithm selection is motivated by temperature regime and computational budget.
Project Score: 80/112
N-Body Gravitational Simulation Using Barnes-Hut and Particle-Mesh Methods
Authors
Kerlos Hanna, Mohamed Ahmed
Summary
Computational acceleration of gravitational N‑body simulations is examined by comparing Barnes–Hut and Particle–Mesh against direct summation. Systems with 14–500 bodies are assessed for trajectory fidelity, collision behavior, and energy drift. Barnes–Hut preserves orbital structure with reduced cost, while Particle–Mesh provides strong scaling with smoother small‑scale dynamics. Trade‑offs between accuracy and efficiency are characterized for large astrophysical systems.
Project Score: 58/108
FAQ
Some frequently asked questions
Background knowledge of coding, calculus, and general physics, preferably Python.
3 months on 3 sections and a final project
The program is open to all Egyptian high school students (Grade 10-Grade 12), as long as you meet the prerequisites.
We'll stop receiving applications by July 29th 2025.
Yes, to apply what you've learned. 2-member teams will work on solving a computational physics problem, documenting their progress, methodology, and results in the form of a research paper.
- A stable internet connection to attend regular online sessions
- Access to a laptop/computer with any IDE (VS Code, Google Collab, etc