Control nParticles using springs

You can create spring-like links between individual nParticles and between nParticles and other objects, to give them reactive, interconnected motion. For information, see About nParticle springs. Create springs between nParticles and the following:

• Vertices of nCloth and passive objects
• Other nParticle objects
• CVs of curves or surfaces
• Vertices of polygonal objects
• Lattice points

Create springs between nParticles and other objects

1. Select the objects or components to which you want to add springs.
2. From the FX menu set, select nParticles > Springs > .

   The Spring Options window appears.

3. Set options for the springs you want to create. See Springs Options.
4. Click Create.
   Tip: If you use springs on a polygonal soft body or a NURBS soft body with many vertices (and particles), you can improve playback efficiency and spring response by putting springs on a simplified proxy object. See Troubleshoot nParticle springs.

   To cancel spring creation after you click Create, press the Esc key. Springs will still be created, but only those that were created before you cancelled the process.

Create springs on emitted particles

1. Play the animation until you see the emitted particles.
2. Select the emitted particle object.

   You can optionally select specific particles to receive the springs.

3. Select nParticles > Springs > to display the Spring Options window.
4. Set options for the type of springs you want to create. See Set spring attributes.
5. Click Create.

   When you rewind, the particles and springs disappear. When you play the animation, the springs appear with the particles and influence their motion. Springs won’t be created on any particles that were not visible when you created the springs.

   You can edit the emitter after creating the springs. The springs appear wherever the particles are emitted.