Dynamic Constraint attributes

Constraint Method

Determines the type of links used for this dynamic constraint. Select one of the following from the drop-down list:

Weld

Links lock vertices together so that they cannot be stretched.

Spring

Links recover their original state when released after being compressed or stretched (default).

Rubber Band

Links recover their original state when released after being stretched, but do nothing when compressed.

Constraint Relation

Determines how constrained objects are related to one another and related to the dynamic constraint. Select one of the following from the drop-down list:

Object to Constraint

Relates the input components of constrained objects to the dynamic constraint node position. This means that constrained objects are affected by transform and positioning changes to the dynamic constraint (default).

Object to Object

Relates the constrained objects to one another, and ignores the dynamic constraints position and transformations.

Component Relation

Determines how component nodes (nClothShape nodes, nParticleShape nodes, or nRigidShape nodes) are related to one another. A component is a member of this dynamic constraint, each member represents a subset of elements for an object (a group of triangles, or points, for example). Select one of the following from the drop-down list:

All to First

Relates all components to the first component that belongs to this dynamic constraint (default).

All to All

Relates all components to all other components that belong to this dynamic constraint.

Chain

Relates components in series, with each component related to the next component that belongs to this dynamic constraint.

Display Connections

When on, displays dynamic constraint links in the scene view. Display Connections is on by default.

Connection Method

Determines the logic used when links for this dynamic constraint are generated. Select one of the following from the drop-down list:

Component Order

Generates links between components based on the order the elements are listed on the component’s node.

Within Max Distance

Generates links between any components that are within the Max Distance value (in world space) at the start frame. This results in multiple components linking to each other.

Nearest Pairs

Generates links between each element and the nearest other element. This results in just one link from one element to another element.

Max Distance

Specifies the maximum distance allowed between linked elements when the Connection Method is set to Within Max Distance. The default is 0.1.

Connection Update

Specifies when the connection method is evaluated for this dynamic constraint. Select one of the following from the drop-down list:

At Start

Evaluates the connection method at the start of simulation (default).

Per Frame

Evaluates the connection method every frame of simulation.

Connect Within Component

When on, allows links between Maya Nucleus objects and components. When off, allows only links between components. This attribute is off by default.

Connection Density

Specifies the concentration of links for this dynamic constraint based on the Max Distance value. This attribute is only available when the Connection Method is set to Within Max Distance.

A value of 1 maintains links, while a value of 0 results in no links. Values between 0-1 determine the probability of broken links. You can use the Connection Density Range settings to scale this attribute.