Abstract: Collision detection and its optimization is the very important technology in visual simulation. Based on the discussion of collision detection, an overview of the algorithm classification for collision detection and methods of collision detection optimization are presented. The collision detection algorithm can be classified into the time domain and space domain methods. Optimization methods of collision detection are discussed to reduce the computing time and complexity. The evaluation has been given by application to the visual simulation of bridge collision detection.

Key words: computer application, visual simulation, collision detection algorithm, bridge collision detection