2009

Variation The number of frames by which Time can vary randomly. Default=5.
To obtain the actual time to the target for each spawned particle, the system
multiplies the Variation value by a random number between -1.0 and 1.0, and
then adds the result to the Time value. For example, if Time=60 and
Variation=20, then the time to target for each particle would be between 40
and 80 frames.
Subframe Sampling Turning this on helps avoid particle "puffing" by timing
particles at a much higher subframe resolution (that is, throughout each
frame), rather than using the relatively coarse frame resolution. Default=on.
"Puffing" is the effect of clustering particles, rather than producing a continuous
stream. This effect is especially noticeable when the emitter is animated.
Use Docking Speed Lets you specify particles' speed when they reach the
target.
A particle might be required to reach the target from a specific direction at a
specific speed. When Use Docking Speed is off, the software calculates a path
for particles to reach the target in the shortest distance with the least
acceleration along the path. When Use Docking Speed is on, the software
calculates particles' final speed when they reach the target using the Speed
and Variation parameters. Therefore if you want a “smooth landing,” set Speed
to 0.0. Default=off.
Speed The speed of particles when they reach the target in scene units per
second. Default=100.0.
Variation The amount by which the actual Speed value can vary randomly.
Default=0.0.
Target group
By default, Find Target uses its own target icon, but you can use these controls
to designate other scene objects as targets instead.
Icon Use the Find Target icon as the target.
Each Find Target test has its own target icon. Even if you don't use it as a
target, it still influences particle behavior if you set the docking type to Parallel,
Spherical, or Cylindrical.
Mesh Objects Use one or more scene mesh objects as targets. Choose this to
make the list and list-management buttons available.
If you designate more than one target, the target used by each particle is
determined by the choice in the
Object drop-down list on page 2979 in this
group.
Particle Flow | 2977