RW - Fractal

This is certainly the most commonly used modifier. It provides a typical noisy surface with bumps and dents, and an underlying base oscillation of the entire surface. Stretching factors can be used to create wavefronts indicating the travelling direction. The fractal surface can be simulated very fast and is perfectly suited as a basic structure for other, overlapping waves to create more details.

Active

You can choose between “Yes” and “No”. The active switch is normally only needed with more than one modifier or other sources of wave creation, e.g. travelling objects. Under such circumstances you can disable the appropriate modifier and evaluate the underlying wave structure for fine-tuning.

Weight

With “Weight” it is possible to define a kind of mixing strength. By default, each set of waves contributes to the final result at equal strength and weight. To reduce the influence of a certain modifier, simply decrease its weight. The range starts with 0.0, while 1.0 stands for 100%.

Height

This parameter is responsible for the maximum height of the entire surface, while the height of the smaller ripples are controlled with “Slope”.

Angle

Here it is possible to determine the waves’ travelling direction. You can create interesting effects in combination with other modifiers by using slightly different angles.

Octaves

Increase this value to get more surface structures. With values above 7 you will hardly notice any change of the surface’s structure.

Slope

Control the height of the surface structures created with “Octaves”.

Fractal speed

A wave always travels along the surface at a certain velocity. This speed can be adjusted here and should always be in relation to scale, environment, objects on or around the surface, the viewer’s distance, and the RealWave node’s dimensions. In combination with other modifiers, fast waves might lead to instabilities. In this case either create a wider mesh or reduce “Fractal speed”. Velocities are measured in metres per second [m/s].

Fractal scale X/Y

Waves can be stretched in both horizontal directions. Stretched waves create a better impression of larger water surfaces and often give you a much more realistic look. Stretched waves should be more or less perpendicular to the waves’ travelling direction.

Seed

Fractals always need starting values to create the wave structures. By changing “Seed” you are able to change the initial look of your surface. With different seed values it is possible to place the waves at different locations. Seed accepts any positive or negative integer value.