symmetrical particles

arfa · Post by **arfa** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 6:34 pm

I wonder if there is a way of getting particles to array symmetrically in a circle?
The rays of a sun is part of my current project. Three rays - colours are just to highlight what is happening.

http://www.BuddhaMind.info/as/bits/sun.anme

I can live with this but if it can be done then I can imagine other applications.

thanks

Barry Baker · Post by **Barry Baker** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:42 am

I imagine the easiest way is simply to make your particles symmetrical - ie. instead of being single rays, your particles should consist of 2 mirrored rays, or more (if you want 3 or 4-way symmetry for example). That way, no matter how they are rotated by the particle algorithm, there will always be corresponding rays from the opposite side of the sun.

(Alternatively, set the particles to only radiate over 180 degrees, then duplicate the particle layer and mirror it, so the same particles appear on the other side).

Try also giving your rays a bit of animation - they could grow out from the centre and fade out, for example.

arfa · Post by **arfa** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:35 pm

The 3 ray symmetry worked best. Although there are 'dead' spots.

I am still learning the permutations of particles and it seems that randomness is a fixed aspect of particles. This issue relates (in my mind) to another set up where I am trying to create a beam of light with a steady stream of 'photons.' I am thinking more that to get predictable symmetry I am better doing this manually.

also giving your rays a bit of animation

Am I correct in thinking that this only works if "Randomize playback" is checked?

Genete · Post by **Genete** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:31 pm

I am still learning the permutations of particles and it seems that randomness is a fixed aspect of particles

Select a particle layer and the particle tool (on the tool box) there should appear a Randomize button in the options area of the main window.

-G

arfa · Post by **arfa** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:13 pm

Yes, the randomise button does decrease those dead spots. Great.!

My question though was 'must the "Randomize playback" be checked to activate particle animation?' It seemed that way to me. Seems kinda weird that i have to put in the animation and then specify the playback so that I get what I said I wanted - does that make sense? A bit like layer ordering...

I have finished this effect in my project but am still playing with particles - bone constraints and a few other things.