Dynamics is a branch of physics that describes how objects move using physical rules to simulate the natural forces that act upon them. Dynamic simulations are difficult to achieve with traditional keyframe animation techniques.
Maya provides a means to do this type of computer animation where you set up the conditions that you want to occur, then let the software solve how to animate the objects in the scene. Maya® Dynamics™ provides the tools for creating effects that will enhance your final images and animations.
With Particle Effects, you can create the illusions of smoke, fireworks, rain, fire, and explosions.
With Rigid Body Dynamics, you can simulate real-world physical interactions between objects, such as collisions between surfaces. For example, you can simulate a bowling ball crashing through pins or simulate the effects of gravity when a ball falls to the ground. You can also simulate natural forces, such as wind.
This chapter contains the following lessons:
