8

142 Chapter 11: Space Warps and Particle Systems
The default scr ipt ( 3dsmax\scripts\particleflow\
example-scriptbirth.ms
)emitsparticlesfor100
frames in a wavy, circular path. To see this, turn
off or delete any Speed and Position operators in
the event.
See also
Birth Operator (page 2–139)
Inter face
The user interface appears in the parameters panel,
ontherightsideoftheParticleViewdialog.
Edit S cr ipt—C lick this button to open the current
script in a MAXScript Editor window.
For detailed information about the MAXScript
utility, open the MAXScript Reference, available
from Help menu > MAXScript Reference.
Emit Star t—The frame number at which the
operator begins emitting particles.
Uniqueness group
The Uniqueness sett ing provides a randomization
seed that the script can use or ignore.
Seed—Specifies a randomization value.
New—Calculates a new seed using a r andomization
formula.
Delete Opera tor
Particle View (page 2–121) > Click Delete in an event or
add a Delete operator to the particle system and then
select it.
Use the Delete operator to remove particles from
theparticlesystem. Bydefault,particleslive
“forever,” that is, for the duration of the animation.
The Delete operator l ets you give them a fin ite life
span. This is useful for eliminating particles once
they’ve served their purpose in the animation.
The Delete operator is also necessary w hen using
the Particle Age map, which, when incorporated
into the Material Dynamic operator, applies
different materials to particles depending on their
age. Because the map works on the basis of a
percentage of the particle’s life span, you need
to use a Delete operator to define the particles’
maximum age. For an example of usage, see
Material D ynamic operator (page 2–187) .
Interfa ce
The user interface appears in the Parameters panel,
on the right side of the P article View dialog.
Remove group
Choose whether to delete all particles, selected
particles, or part icles p ast a specific age.