Stop Gradually Test

Use the Stop Gradually test to cause particles to slow down and then stop. You can stop particles' linear motion or rotational motion, or both. You can time the slowdown and stopping separately by particle age or the length of time the particles spend in the event with the test, or simply set a specific time for each. And because Stop Gradually is a test, you can use it to send each particle to the next event as soon it stops.

Alternatively, use the Stop operator to cause particles to stop moving or spinning immediately.

Interface

Stop Type group

Position
When on, the test affects linear (that is, non-rotational) motion. Default=on.
Rotation
When on, the test affects rotational motion. This type of motion is typically caused by the Spin operator, but other operators and tests can also cause it, such as Go To Rotation. Default=on.

Slowdown Start Time group

Use these controls to specify when the particles should begin slowing down, and which timing synchronization they should use.

Timing
Choose from this drop-down list to determine the timing to use for beginning particle slowdown:
  • Absolute Time Uses the specified frame number in the animation. This is the default choice.
  • Particle Age Uses the age of each particle in frames.
  • Event Duration Uses the duration of the current event in frames.
Time/Age/Event Time
The time at which each particle should stop. At the specified time, the particle stops moving and/or spinning completely, and tests True for redirection to the next event. The parameter label depends on the Timing choice (see preceding).
Variation
The number of frames by which the stop time can vary randomly.

Stop Time group

By default, the timing synchronization for bringing particles to a complete halt used by the Stop Gradually test is the same as that used in the Slowdown Start Time group, but you can use these controls to set a different synchronization.

Use Different Timing Type
When on, you can choose a timing synchronization from the drop-down list in this group. When off, the timing synchronization type is the same as that specified in the Slowdown Start Time group (see preceding). Default=off.
Timing
Choose from this drop-down list to determine the timing to use for when particles come to a complete stop:
  • Absolute Time - Uses the specified frame number in the animation. This is the default choice.
  • Particle Age - Uses the age of each particle in frames.
  • Event Duration - Uses the duration of the current event in frames.
Time/Age/Event Time
The time at which each particle should stop. At this time, the particle stops moving and/or spinning completely, and tests True for redirection to the next event. The parameter label depends on the Timing choice (see preceding).
Variation
The number of frames by which the stop time can vary randomly.
Uniqueness
Enables randomization of Time/Age/Event Time variation. Use the Seed setting to specify a randomization value.
New
Click to generate a new seed using a randomization formula.