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Table Of Contents
Dynamics
Introduction
Dynamics is a branch of physics that describes how objects move using physical
rules to simulate the natural forces that act upon them. Dynamic simulations
are difficult to achieve with traditional keyframe animation techniques.
Maya provides a means to do this type of computer animation where you set
up the conditions that you want to occur, then let the software solve how to
animate the objects in the scene. Maya
®
Dynamics
provides the tools for
creating effects that will enhance your final images and animations.
With Particle Effects, you can create the illusions of smoke, fireworks, rain, fire,
and explosions.
With Rigid Body Dynamics, you can simulate real-world physical interactions
between objects, such as collisions between surfaces. For example, you can
simulate a bowling ball crashing through pins or simulate the effects of gravity
when a ball falls to the ground. You can also simulate natural forces, such as
wind.
This chapter contains the following lessons:
Lesson 1 Particles, emitters, and fields:
Introduction on page 536
Lesson 2 Rigid bodies and constraints: Introduction on page 554
Preparing for the lessons
Do these steps to ensure the lessons in this chapter work as described:
1 Select File > New Scene to create a new scene before you start each lesson.
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