I've got a game idea that requires some semi-realistic simulation of a fluid flowing around various objects. Think of a pool of mercury on an irregular surface that is being tilted in various directions.
This is for a game, so 100% physical realism is not necessary. What is most important is that the calculations can be done in real time on a device with the horsepower of an iPhone.
I'm thinking that some sort of cellular automaton or particle system is the way to go, but I don't know where to start.
Any suggestions?
This is not my area of research but I believe this is considered the canonical work:
Fluid Simulation for Computer Graphics
https://www.routledge.com/Fluid-Simulation-for-Computer-Graphics/Bridson/p/book/9781482232837
Also, look at the Berkeley Animation and Modeling Group
https://web.archive.org/web/20090116020253/http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/b-cam/
I also recommend a tool like Google Scholar or Citeseer and persue the scholarly literature.