 		 */
 		public function removeParticle(idx:uint):Boolean
 		{
-			var p:Particle = _particles[idx] as Particle;
+			var p:Particle = _particles[idx];
 			if (p == null) return false;
 			
 			// remove springs
 			for (var i:uint = _springs.length; --i >= 0; ) {
-				var s:Spring = _springs[i] as Spring;
+				var s:Spring = _springs[i];
 				if (s.p1 == p || s.p2 == p) {
 					removeSpring(i);
 				}

		/** The default spring force for this simulation. */
		public function get springForce():SpringForce {
			return _forces[3] as SpringForce;
		}
		
		/**

package flare.physics
{
	import flash.geom.Rectangle;
	
	/**
	 * A physical simulation involving particles, springs, and forces.
	 * Useful for simulating a range of physical effects or layouts.
