DSpline Daemon

Owned by thomas (Unlicensed)
Last updated: 23 Jun, 2017
3 min read

The "DSpline" daemon is the perfect choice if you want to make particles following a given path.

  • Start with the spline, e.g. one of Cinema 4D's native types like "Helix", or a hand-drawn spline.
  • Add a "DSpline" daemon and drag the spline to Daemon Spline > Spline Object.
  • The viewport gizmo has the spline's shape and red circles, indicating the daemon's control points.
  • The circles around the control points represent the area (or better: volume) where the daemon's radial forces are active.

 

A "DSpline" daemon with default and additional control points.

 

In many cases the number of control points is not sufficient, because the distance between them is too big: some particles might not be dragged from one point to another. To fix this, add new points:

  • Select an control point – its associated circle turns white.
  • Go to Daemon Spline > Control and press "+Add".
  • A new control point appears after the selected point (see right image above).
  • Repeat this process until you have enough points.

Of course, an emitter is required: the emitter can be placed anywhere on the spline, but please make sure that it is placed inside a control point's circle. Otherwise some particles will not be attracted, because they are out of scope. Ideally, emission direction is aligned with the spline.

Adjusting Forces

It is possible to adjust each control point's forces individually under Daemon Spline > Control > Axial | Radial | Vortex. The point's scope (= circle) is adjusted with "Radius" or the gizmo handles. If you want to change forces globally for all points use the "Strength" parameters:

  • "Vortex" adds a clockwise (positive values) or counter clockwise (negative values) twist to the particles. The particles might leave their path with high settings, but you will also get a more turbulent fluid. 
  • "Axis" attracts (positive values) particles towards the spline or repels (negative values) them. This way it is possible to create a thinner or thicker particle stream.
  • "Radial" moves the particles from one control point to another. Particles outside the circles will not be attracted and leave the path.

 

A "DSpline" daemon with a "Sphere" emitter: default forces (left), adjusted forces and a "Drag" daemon (right).

Supporting Daemons

Sometimes it can be difficult to adjust the fluid's velocity or get enough turbulence:

  • A → "Drag" daemon decelerates the particles. This daemon is very sensitive and you should start with moderate values between 0.1 and 0.5.
  • Add bounded → "Noise Field" daemons for more turbulence and a vivid fluid simulation. Normally, the daemons are placed along the control points.
  • The → "Sheeter" daemon helps to fill holes inside the fluid and prevents the particles from being torn apart.
  • The → "k Isolated" daemon removes stray particles.
  • With → "k Age" it is possible to delete particles after a certain time.


A "DSpline" daemon with "Drag", several "Noise Field", and "Sheeter" daemons. On the right you see the meshed fluid.