[ODE] Non - standard shapes...

[Martin C. Martin]

ODE is designed for articulated rigid bodies.  That is, rigid bodies 
that are connected together using joints, and that collide with each 
other.  It resolves impulsive forces that are represented as constraints.

> I'm planning on using genetic 
> algorithms to develop aerodynamic objects, and modify the physics engine 
> to account for lift and drag.

It sounds like you'd have to implement all the fluid forces yourself, 
and never use ODE's collision detection or constraint resolution.  In 
other words, you wouldn't end up using ODE at all.

> I'm wondering if anyone has used ODE 
> before on non-standard shapes 

There is some support for meshes of triangles.

 > and if they managed to simulate them visualy.

Are you looking for graphics or physics?  Maybe all you need is drawstuff.