Daemons - Layered Vortex

This daemon acts on several layers. Each layer contains independent vortex parameters, and represents a zone where the particles can rotate with different velocities and directions. It is comparable to gas bands appearing on planets like Jupiter. There you have the same effect, when areas near the poles rotate significantly faster than equatorial zones, leading to a visible flattening and a so-called prolate spheroid. It is possible to control the daemon’s dimensions with Node > Scale, but this is not recommended. All parameters should be adjusted with the settings under “Layered Vortex”, because they directly affect the forces. This daemon appears as a line of points. Each time you select a layer, a different segment is displayed, indicating its zone of influence.

Affect

Particles can be affected in two ways: either by “Force” or “Velocity”. The first option applies an external force, resulting in an acceleration, while the second one modifies the velocities of the particles without introducing an additional acceleration. “Velocity” is not available for rigid bodies. 

Num layers

By default the daemon has two layers, represented by three points. You can add new layers by entering the desired number. Each layer will add a new point. It is also possible to create a single layer by entering “1”. 

Offset

This value describes the offset of the lowest layer from the daemon’s pivot point in metres [m].

Current layer

To make settings for a specific layer it is necessary to make it active. By directly entering the appropriate layer number you can jump to the particular zone. The vertical line indicating the active zone is updated in the viewport automatically. 

@ Vortex type

The default type is “Classic” – a simple representation of vortex forces with a homogeneous force field obeying the given attenuation mode. “Complex” is also known as “Rankine” vortex. There, the forces reach their peak strength at a given distance from the centre. This distance is displayed as a dashed circle-line around the centre. 

@ Strength

This is just the intensity of the effect.

@ Radius

To use this setting, “Complex” has to be chosen. “Radius” determines the distance from the vortex centre in metres [m] where the forces reach their maximum. 

@ Width

Here you can define the current layer’s height in metres [m] represented by two points. 

@ Bounded

To activate this option choose “Yes” and the daemon will be displayed with a stack of 3 rings around the axis. The radius of these rings determines the zone of influence. 

@ Boundary

Here, the radius of the zone of influence is adjusted. By changing this value the size of the surrounding rings is updated in the viewport to give you a visual representation.