Creating Simulations in Maya Dynamics

Covers the basics of the classic dynamics engine, showing how to build a simulation with passive and active rigid bodies, add attributes like bounce and friction, integrate keyframes, and apply constraints.The dynamic simulation tools in Maya allow animators and visual effects artists to create convincing animations that would be too difficult or time consuming to keyframe by hand. This course covers the basics of the classic dynamics engine, showing how to build a simulation with passive and active rigid bodies, add attributes like bounce and friction, integrate the simulation with keyframes, and apply dynamic constraints. Author Aaron F. Ross shows how to apply these techniques to a realistic scenario, while explaining tools and concepts like the Rigid Body Solver, gravity fields, and dynamic constraints. Topics include: Choosing a scale convention Laying out the scene Modeling proxy objects Creating passive and active rigid bodies Imparting an initial velocity Improving performance Applying damping Adjusting mass Adding a Radial field Keying the Active attribute Baking the simulation to keyframes Creating Hinge and Spring constraints