Applying Granular with X-Particles

I'll explain step-by-step how to apply nxFluids' Granular using x-particles. This process will be detailed enough for someone new to understand.

 

1. Setting Up the Emitter

First, set up the Emitter to generate particles. By default, the Emitter arranges particles in a regular pattern, but to make it random, use Jitter XY and Jitter Z. These settings offset the particle positions randomly in the X, Y plane and Z axis, reducing regularity.

 

Emission Menu in x-particles Emitter

 

Shot

The Shot setting defines how particles are emitted in bursts. This option allows particles to be emitted at specific frames, which is useful for simulating explosions or specific events.

 

Shot Type

There are several options for Shot Type, but here we'll explain Hexagonal. Selecting Hexagonal arranges particles in a hexagonal pattern, helping them to be distributed regularly and uniformly.

 

Jitter XY and Jitter Z

Jitter XY and Jitter Z are used to randomly offset the particle positions, breaking up regular patterns.

• Jitter XY: Randomly changes the particle positions in the X and Y plane, making the distribution more natural and irregular.
• Jitter Z: Randomly changes the particle positions along the Z axis, making the distribution more natural in 3D space.

 

The left image shows the particles before applying Jitter XY and Jitter Z, and the right image shows them after applying these settings.

 

2. Solving Particle Overlap Issues

To solve the issue of particles overlapping and causing simulation explosions, use nxPush. nxPush helps maintain an appropriate distance between particles by pushing them apart. Follow these steps:

1. Apply nxPush: Apply nxPush to the Emitter to push particles apart for 1 frame, preventing overlap.
2. Deactivate nxPush: After ensuring particles maintain an appropriate distance, deactivate nxPush.

3. Applying nxFluids and nxGravity

Now that the particles are set to not overlap, apply nxFluids and nxGravity to proceed with the particle simulation.

1. Apply nxFluids: Add the nxFluids tag to the Emitter to make particles behave like a fluid. Select the Granular type to make particles move like granular fluid.
2. Apply nxGravity: Use nxGravity to add gravity effects, making particles fall or move naturally.

 

Summary

1. Set Jitter XY and Jitter Z on the Emitter to reduce particle regularity.
2. Use nxPush to push particles apart for 1 frame to prevent overlap.
3. Apply nxFluids and nxGravity to proceed with the particle simulation.

 

nxFluids is a powerful tool within INSYDIUM's x-particles plugin for fluid simulation. It offers various features to create different fluid simulations. Here are the main features and how to use them:

 

Main Features

• SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics): A particle-based fluid simulation method where particles interact to simulate fluid movement. SPH is used for simulating water, oil, gel, and other fluids.
• PBD (Position Based Dynamics): A method that calculates fluid movement based on particle positions. PBD provides fast and stable simulations and can implement various fluid effects.
• Granular: Simulates granular fluids like sand, grains, and powders.

How to Use

1. Set Up the Emitter: To use nxFluids, first set up the Emitter. The Emitter generates particles, and you can start the fluid simulation by adding the nxFluids tag.
2. Add nxFluids Tag: Add the nxFluids tag to the Emitter to make particles behave like a fluid. Adjust fluid density, viscosity, surface tension, etc., in the tag settings.
3. Use nxConstraints: To enhance the stability of the fluid simulation, use nxConstraints. This controls particle interactions, making fluid movement more natural.

Example

Here’s an example of setting up a fluid simulation:

1. Create and position the Emitter.
2. Add the nxFluids tag to the Emitter and select SPH mode.
3. Set the fluid density and viscosity.
4. Add nxConstraints to control particle interactions.
5. Run the simulation to observe fluid movement.

nxGravity is a tool within INSYDIUM's x-particles plugin for simulating gravity effects. It adds gravity to particle simulations, making particles fall or move naturally. Here are the main features and how to use them:

 

Main Features

• Gravity Direction Setting: nxGravity allows you to set the direction of gravity. By default, gravity acts downward, but you can adjust it to any direction.
• Gravity Strength Adjustment: Adjust the strength of gravity to control how quickly particles fall or move. This helps create various simulation effects.
• Combining Physical Effects: nxGravity can be combined with other physical effects to create more complex and realistic simulations. For example, combine it with nxFluids to add gravity effects to fluid simulations.

How to Use

1. Add nxGravity Tag: Add the nxGravity tag to the Emitter to apply gravity effects. Adjust the direction and strength of gravity in the tag settings.
2. Set Gravity Direction: Set the direction of gravity to make particles move as desired. For example, make them fall downward or move at a specific angle.
3. Adjust Gravity Strength: Adjust the strength of gravity to control how quickly particles move. This helps create various simulation effects.

Example

Here’s an example of setting up gravity effects:

1. Create and position the Emitter.
2. Add the nxGravity tag to the Emitter and set the gravity direction downward.
3. Adjust the gravity strength to make particles fall naturally.
4. Run the simulation to observe the gravity effects.