Particle system

A particle system is a function in the field of computer animation with which can animate a large number of objects. Particle systems are used for example to simulate fire, smoke or explosion effects.

Operation

For a particle system are discharged from a so-called emitter particles, whose movement may be influenced by numerous parameters. These include:

• Ejection velocity
• Life
• Attenuation ( of the particles becomes slower with time)
• Number of particles in the entire system
• Distribution of particles in a certain number of other particles, after a certain time interval ( multiplication)
• A contingency of behavior
• Force influences on the particle

The particles are initially only logical elements ( right), where graphic features must be assigned so that they are visible. For example, each particle can be replaced by a geometric object, resulting in swarms, asteroid fields and similar pose let (center in the picture). With appropriate material allocations particle systems can also be used to represent smoke, fog or fire (on the left ).

Further particle systems can also respond to other objects on which they are attracted or repelled depending on the setting, or in which they bounce off (Physical / event- based behaviors ).

Through the presentation of the motion paths of individual particles hair, plush, grass, and similar structures can be realized.