Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7-48
The Enabled check box for Inflow objects
Obviously, because the fluid simulation itself depends on the keyed values, it is necessary to set the keys
prior to baking.
From Cutting-Edge Research to Open-Source Software
The original developer of Blender's fluid simulation, Nils Thuerey, is a senior researcher in the Computer Graph-
ics Laboratory at ETH Zurich, who works on the development of new algorithms to enable real-time fluid simu-
lation for games. While completing his PhD, Nils implemented the El'Beem Fluid Simulator for Blender as part
of the Google Summer of Code 2005. Nils has published extensive research on use of the Lattice-Boltzmann
method for fluid simulations (the method used in the El'Beem simulator).
Getting the Shot
A CG fluid simulation needs to be set up in such a way that it looks right in the shot. When working in the
highly controlled environment of CG, it's sometimes easy to forget the degree to which naturalistic phenomena
can need time to get into position. Blender fluid systems often begin in unnatural states, and the transition into
the correct state for the shot may involve unwanted movement or splashing. You may find it necessary to run
a simulation for some time before your actual shot begins, in order to let the fluid find some equilibrium. You
may also need to apply off-camera “cheats” such as guiding or pushing your fluids in ways that do not show up
