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Convert nParticles to a polygon mesh

Lesson 3: Creating a liquid simulation with nParticles

Adding Motion Streak

 

Learning Resources > Tutorials > Getting Started with Maya > nParticles > Lesson 3: Creating a liquid simulation with nParticles > 

Cache your nParticle simulation

When you play back the simulation, notice that it plays back much slower than before. This is due to the additional calculations required for the nParticle object’s output mesh. You can use Maya's nCache feature to cache the simulation and play back the scene at full speed.

To cache your nParticle simulation

1. Before caching the simulation, hide the Water_Mesh object by selecting it in the Outliner and selecting Display > Hide > Hide Selection.

   Hiding the output mesh speeds up the nCaching process.

2. In the Outliner, select nParticle_Water.
3. Select nCache > Create New Cache > .

   

   The Create nCache Options window appears.

4. In the Create nCache Options window, do the following:
   • Set the Cache directory to the folder where you want your caches saved.
   • Set the Cache name to LiquidSimulationCache.
   • For File distribution, select One file.
   • Click Create.

   Maya plays the scene automatically and stores the frames in the directory you specified.

5. When it is finished, play back the simulation.

   Notice that the scene now plays back faster. You can also scrub slowly through the timeline and view your simulation frame-by-frame. If you change any of the nParticle attribute settings, create a new cache to see your changes.

In the next section of this lesson, you use the nParticle cache to help optimize specific areas of the simulation.