physics processing unit (processor) (PPU)

A Physics Processing Unit (PPU) is functionally similar to a Graphics Processing Unit(GPU) with the difference that the PPU unit performs physical calculations instead of graphical ones.

The physical calculations can be the implementation of physical laws, such as the mechanics of rigid bodies, or the implementation of laws of fall, rotation, and flow. Physics Processing Units are programmed by the Physics Engine and deliver their results to the Central Processing Unit, which relieves them of these computationally intensive tasks.

Physics Processing Units (PPU) are used in high- performance computers and in computer games.