PML - Field

This option panel is only visible with at least one emitter attached to the mesh node. It is possible to adjust all the particle-related values for each emitter individually. You simply have to spot the desired emitter under the mesh node and click on it – the "Node Params" window immediately shows the available settings.

Blend factor

In RealFlow a metaball object consists of spheres around the fluid’s particles. This means that the particles’ positions are read and translated to a sphere. These spheres are able to influence each other. With a “Blend factor” of 0.0, the individual spheres can be observed. The size of these spheres can be adjusted under “Radius”. Please note that “Blend factor” and “Radius” are closely connected. With higher “Blend factors” the spheres start melting together, and the mesh appears rounder and thicker – depending on the adjusted radius. At some point you will lose details, but the mesh appears smoother, because some surface ripples, unwanted bumps or dents are ironed out.

The art is to find a balance between “Blend factor”, “Radius” and, last but not least “Polygon size”. Since all these values strongly depend on the particle simulation, testing is very important with meshes, though the default values are a very good starting point. You can alter “Blend factor” in both directions – either greater than the default of 95 or smaller.

Radius

As mentioned under “Blend factor”, radius represents the size of the metaballs around the particles. With a “Blend factor” of 0.0 each particle is displayed as a sphere with the adjusted radius. Very large “Radius” values normally lead to a roundish mesh with thick borders. A good starting point is the currently adjusted “Polygon size”. In combination with the default “Blend factor” of 95 you often get an already convincing mesh, or at least something you can play and experiment with to get the desired result. “Radius” can be very small, even below 0.01, but there is a limit when no mesh polygons are being created at all. This limit depends on your fluid simulation and number of particles. A “Blend factor” of 0.0 can be used to visualize the individual spheres of a mesh. The parameter's unit is metres [m].

Subtractive field

By default, meshes from multiple emitters are added and blended together, but it is also possible to subtract them. If you want to subtract an emitter from another, simply activate its “Subtractive field” option.