Transcript 4-12-212 – Effects

Dynamics
Dynamics is the simulation of motion created by applying the principles of physics instead
of creating animation using traditional key frame techniques. Dynamics takes into account
the physical properties of an object such as weight, volume, and mass, as well as external
forces acting on the object such as wind, friction and gravity.
Dynamic Simulation
A simulation is a function of time based on rules of the environment. Generally this
involves the weight of a object reacting to force fields acting upon the object. Dynamic
simulation is a form of procedural animation.
Simulation
In order for a simulation to be adjusted with animation curves, the simulation must baked
into key frames. This process involves creating key frames at every frame for each
object in the simulation. Once the simulation is baked, it can no longer be adjusted using
forces fields, but it can be manipulated using animation curves.
Particles
Generally particles are animated using force fields instead of animating each particle
individually. Particles are generally controlled as a system involving control fields and
dynamic attributes that control the motion of the system as a whole. The type of particle
system required for a simulation is dependant on the final output. Particles can be used
for model different types of natural phenomena such as rain, snow, fire, smoke, and
water.
Particles
When a particle is born, it is created from a particle emitter. A particle emitter can be a
point, a surface, a volume, or even other particles. Particles are given an initial velocity
which becomes effected by force fields acting upon the particles such as wind, gravity,
and turbulence.
Particles
When a particle is created, it is given a set of rules to follow that determine how the
particle will react, move, and look. This also include the particle Lifespan, which is how
long a particle will live before it dies.
Soft Bodies
Soft bodies are malleable surfaces that move and deform based upon dynamics. The
surface of a soft body object is made up of control points that are individually affected by
dynamic simulation rather than the entire object being affected as a whole.
Rigid Body Dynamics
In physics, a rigid body is a solid object that does not deform. Rigid bodies are solid
objects that move according to applied dynamics. In Maya there are two types of rigid
bodies. Active Rigid Bodies are affected by collisions and fields. Passive Rigid Bodies
are not affected by fields and they remain still when they are collided with other rigid body
objects. Passive Rigid Bodies are generally used as collision objects.