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IBM

Physics MCP Server

by IBM

track_energy_dissipation

Analyze energy dissipation over time in recorded trajectories to quantify damping, bounces, and energy loss mechanisms in physics simulations.

Instructions

Track energy dissipation over a trajectory.

Analyzes how energy changes over time in a recorded trajectory.
Useful for understanding damping, bounces, and energy loss mechanisms.

Args:
    trajectory_data: Trajectory data dict with 'frames' field
    mass: Object mass in kg
    gravity: Gravitational acceleration in m/s² (default 9.81)
    reference_height: Reference height for PE in meters (default 0.0)

Returns:
    Dict containing:
        - frames: Energy data for each frame (time, KE, PE, total E)
        - initial_total_energy: Initial total energy in Joules
        - final_total_energy: Final total energy in Joules
        - total_energy_loss: Total energy dissipated in Joules
        - total_energy_loss_percent: % of energy lost
        - average_power_dissipated: Average power in Watts (J/s)

Tips for LLMs:
    - Use after record_trajectory or record_trajectory_with_events
    - Visualize energy vs time to see where energy is lost
    - Identifies bounces, friction effects, air resistance
    - Power = rate of energy dissipation

Example - Bouncing ball energy analysis:
    traj = await record_trajectory_with_events(sim_id, "ball", 600)
    result = await track_energy_dissipation(
        trajectory_data=traj.model_dump(),
        mass=0.5,  # 500g ball
        gravity=9.81
    )
    # See how energy decreases with each bounce

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
trajectory_dataYes
massYes
gravityNo
reference_heightNo
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden and does well by explaining what the tool does (analyzes energy changes), its inputs (trajectory data with mass and optional parameters), and detailed return values. It adds context like identifying bounces and friction effects, though it could mention computational complexity or error handling.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with clear sections (purpose, args, returns, tips, example) and front-loaded key information. It's appropriately sized, though the example is detailed; every sentence adds value, but it could be slightly more concise by integrating tips into the main flow.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity (4 parameters, nested objects, no output schema), the description is highly complete. It covers purpose, usage, parameters, return values, and provides an example. With no annotations or output schema, it fully compensates by detailing behavioral aspects and output structure, ensuring the agent can use it correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate fully. It does so by explaining each parameter's purpose (e.g., 'trajectory_data: Trajectory data dict with 'frames' field', 'mass: Object mass in kg'), including defaults and units, which adds crucial meaning beyond the bare schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose with specific verbs ('Track', 'Analyzes') and resources ('energy dissipation over a trajectory', 'energy changes over time in a recorded trajectory'). It distinguishes from sibling tools by focusing on energy analysis of recorded trajectories, unlike general calculation tools like calculate_kinetic_energy or record_trajectory.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit usage guidance: 'Use after record_trajectory or record_trajectory_with_events' specifies prerequisites, and the example demonstrates the workflow. It also mentions use cases ('understanding damping, bounces, and energy loss mechanisms') and visualization tips, clearly indicating when to use this tool.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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