Particle Source

 

 

The FumeFX Particle Source lets the user create any particle system within their scene to be used as a component within their FumeFX simulation.  

 

To create a Particle Source, click on the FumeFX menu and select Particle Source.

Source will be created automatically and its parameters will be presented within attribute editor. Additional controllers make it possible to adjust particle parameters based on particle age.

 

When selecting particles, make sure to select the particle shape and not the emitter

 

This rollout contains the basic parameters for your particle source.  As mentioned before, all of its controls are available in both the Create/Modify Command Panel (by selecting the Particle Source gizmo), as well as within the FumeFX Attribute Editor.

 

By using the Attach selected button, multiple particle systems can be added to the Particle Source.

 

 

Active - You can turn this source on/off using this checkbox.  

 

Icon Size - Use this to modify the size of the icon - the source's symbolic representation in the viewport.

 

Free Flow - If you check this, source parameters will still influence channel values, but the source, itself, will behave just like fluid.  As a result, the source's velocity will not interrupt fluid movement in any way.

 

Seed - This value affects the amount of randomization.

 

Notes:
- Particles must be cached before using them with the Particle Source.
- If the FumeFX simulation has more than 1 step, you must increase Over Samples to match the maximum number of sub - steps.

 

 

Viewport

Enable Viewport display of parameters change though the whole particle lifespan: Velocity, Fuel, Temperature, Smoke.

 

 

Values are displayed in a form of circles, where the outer circle visualizes radius and the inner circle visualizes the selected parameter relative to the radius.

 

 

Radius

Radius - This defines the particle radius used within the FumeFX simulation. Be aware that this value can be animated over the particle lifespan through the use of the Radius Controller. This control not only lets you set a start and end particle radius for use within the simulation, but you can determine how the animation progresses using the ramp.

 

Controller - When active, use this to control the progression between the two Radius spinner values in proportion with particle age.

 

PA - Currently selected Interpolation Controller (Particle Age). It can be used only if Controlled checkbox is enabled.

 

 

Velocity Multiplier

Amount - The selected value acts as a multiplier of the particles' movement. Be aware that this value can be animated over time through the use of the ramp. This control not only lets you set a start and end particle velocity multiplier for use within the simulation, but you can determine how the animation progresses.

 

Controller - When active, use this to control the progression between the two Amount spinner values in proportion with particle age.

 

Source controller - Use this source controller to create a mask that affects the velocity multiplier for your particles' effect within the FumeFX simulation. This button has a dash on it and resides beneath the Amount Spinner. Go here to learn more about Source Controllers.

 

Var % - This establishes maximum variation limits for velocity.

 

 

Fuel, Oxygen, Temperature, Smoke and Color

Each of these channels has same set of parameters.  These parameters work as a kind of mixing board, allowing you to set the values of the Fuel, Smoke and Temperature Channels in your source.  One notable feature of Particle Sources is that you can use the ramp as a mask. For each ramp, the X - axis represents a progression of particle age, while the Y - axis represents the amount of masking that is taking place.

 

Type - Click the Add button to choose the type of affect that the source will have on that channel. When you click on it, you will get the following pop - up menu:

 

 

Channel is Disabled - The source won't change that channel.

Add Values to the Voxel - The source adds values to voxel (v + value = amount).

Set Values in the Voxel - The source sets the voxel at a value (v = amount).

 

Amount - This is the amount that is set or added to each voxel. Be aware that this value can be animated over time through the use of the ramp. This control not only lets you set a start and end particle velocity multiplier for use within the simulation, but you can determine how the animation progresses.

 

Controller - Use this to control the channel's progression in proportion with particle age.

 

Source controller - Use this source controller to create masks that affects the various aspects of your particles' effect within the FumeFX simulation. This button has a dash on it and resides beneath the Amount Spinner. Click here to learn more about Source Controllers.