Lynda.COM 3ds Max 2011: Particle Effects

Author:
Steve Nelle

Duration:
05h 53m

Released on:
10/15/2010

Exercise files:
Yes

Software works on:
Windows only


In 3ds Max 2011: Particle Effects, Steve Nelle shows how to create a wide variety of particle special effects including smoke, water, and explosions.
The course provides a detailed explanation of both event and non-event particle systems in 3ds Max, in addition to addressing the importance of a particle's material, the use of Space Warps and Deflectors, and creating fluid effects using MetaParticles.
Six start-to-finish projects are also included in the course, which show practical techniques for creating ocean water for underwater scenes, mudslides, and more. Exercise files accompany the course.

Topics include:
Controlling particle timing, quantity, and rotation
Comparing particle system types, such as PArray, Super Spray, and more
Using instanced particles to customize a particle's shape
Understanding how to set up a particle flow
Wiring PFlow operators and tests to change particle behavior
Creating realistic-looking particles using maps
Adding Gravity and Wind
Using Space Warps like Vortex, Motor, and PBomb
Making particles follow a path
Spawning particles
Creating realistic smoke



Introduction 03m 28s
Welcome 01m 01s
How to use this course 01m 04s
Using the exercise files 01m 23s

1. Introduction to Particle Systems 34m 56s
Understanding particle systems 02m 23s
Comparing event-driven and non-event-driven systems 02m 58s
Controlling particle timing and quantity 04m 42s
Adjusting particle size and speed 02m 55s
Making particles rotate 02m 36s
Exploring standard particle types 02m 45s
Using metaparticles for fluid-type effects 05m 57s
Using a scene object as a particle 06m 23s
Understanding rendering and viewport redrawing 04m 17s

2. Particle System Types 43m 55s
Spray 06m 04s
Snow 05m 16s
Blizzard 03m 25s
PArray 12m 43s
PCloud 07m 30s
Super Spray 08m 57s

3. Introduction to Particle Flow 28m 32s
Understanding particle flow 01m 58s
Navigating the Particle view 05m 47s
Working with operators 03m 43s
Adding a test to an event 04m 11s
Wiring events to change a particle's behavior 06m 13s
Adjusting particle flow settings 06m 40s

4. Special Material and Rendering Considerations 40m 34s
Understanding material 04m 50s
Setting map options and particle edge blending 05m 53s
Changing particle appearance with age maps 10m 52s
Blurring moving particles with the MBlur map 06m 13s
Blurring particles 08m 16s
Outputting a render for compositing 04m 30s

5. Introduction to Space Warps 58m 59s
Understanding space warps 02m 59s
Using Bind to Space Warp 05m 43s
Adding Gravity to an effect 04m 47s
Adding Wind to an effect 04m 24s
Rotating particles with Motor space warp 04m 43s
Creating swirling effects with Vortex space warp 03m 45s
Blowing things up with Bomb space warp 04m 15s
Blowing things up with PBomb space warp 04m 42s
Making particles follow a path 04m 03s
Creating wave effects 04m 00s
Creating ripples 03m 53s
Deflecting particles off surfaces 08m 04s
Spawning particles 03m 41s

6. Project: Creating Smoldering Cigarette Smoke 15m 38s
Creating a Super Spray particle system for the smoke 02m 52s
Adding wind 03m 09s
Dampening the particle movement 03m 25s
Adjusting the wind settings for realistic smoke movement 02m 56s
Creating more realistic-looking smoke 03m 16s

7. Project: Creating Ocean Water 22m 07s
Creating the geometry and camera 04m 39s
Adding the background 03m 52s
Creating water movement 06m 07s
Creating the animated material for the water 07m 29s

8. Project: Creating Fountain Water 25m 38s
Creating Super Spray water particles 09m 26s
Adding gravity 02m 24s
Creating the fountain water material 05m 30s
Constructing the particle water material 03m 01s
Making final adjustments 05m 17s

9. Project: Creating a Mudslide Using MetaParticles 24m 43s
Creating the geometry 03m 41s
Adding the mudslide particle system 05m 46s
Binding a Gravity space warp to the particles 02m 41s
Adding the Deflector space warp 04m 07s
Creating the materials for the scene 03m 03s
Making final adjustments 05m 25s

10. Project: Exploding a Wooden Shack 21m 52s
Scoping out the project 00m 59s
Creating the explosive devices 03m 11s
Adjusting the explosion settings 04m 03s
Setting up the shack's visibility track 03m 22s
Creating the fire effect 03m 27s
Adding a bright explosion glow and wrapping things up 06m 50s

11. Project: Turning Water into Steam Using Particle Flow 32m 04s
Scoping out the project 01m 06s
Creating and positioning the particle flow system 02m 09s
Reviewing the PFlow events 02m 26s
Building the water drop geometry 02m 37s
Creating the water drop material 04m 06s
Adjusting the PFlow settings 04m 38s
Adding the Collision Spawn Test and deflector 04m 18s
Turning the drops into steam 02m 46s
Creating the steam material 03m 49s
Making the final adjustments 04m 09s

Conclusion 00m 47s
Goodbye 00m 47s