Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 19
Simulations 2:
Dynamics
One of the most highly touted features of
LightWave 8 is the new Dynamics system,
consisting of hard and soft body simulators,
particle emitters, natural force generators,
collision objects, and effect linkers, each
with the ability to interact with one another.
The attention given to these tools is well
deserved. Dynamics allow you to imbue
your objects with real-world physical
properties such as weight, air resistance,
and gravity. They allow you to create every-
thing from realistic-looking clothes to
debris-filled explosions. Complex effects
that would take hours to animate by hand
can now be done in a matter of minutes. In
this chapter, we'll look at these incredible
tools and cover the essential information
you need to get started using them.
An Introduction to Dynamics
dy·nam·ic
Noun
1.
An interactive system
or process, especially one involving com-
peting or conflicting forces.
—Dictionary.com
property to the object. This can be done by
opening the Object Properties panel and
clicking on the Add Dynamic pop-up menu
on the Dynamics tab.
When we talk about dynamics, we are refer-
ring to the simulation of real-world physical
properties within an artificial 3D environ-
ment. As strange as it may seem, to a 3D
application such as LightWave, a leaf is just
as heavy as a car and concrete is as perme-
able as water. That's because 3D
applications cannot differentiate between
objects. It's all just points and polygons in
the eyes of the program. Therefore, if we
want to simulate real-world phenomena, we
have to tell our software about the unique
characteristics of each object. We have to
tell LightWave that a leaf is light, a car is
heavy, water is permeable, and concrete is
not. We do this by adding a dynamic
Figure 19-1: Dynamic properties can be
added from the Object Properties panel.
