You
can set the property values in a fluid container as predefined gradients
with values that never change. Because gradients are defined within
Maya, no calculations are required at render time making them render
more quickly than dynamic grid fluid properties.
A gradient-type fluid
property can have a constant value of 1 throughout the container
(no gradient), or it can have a gradient of values from 0 to 1 along
the X, Y, or Z axis or from the outside of the container to the
center of the container. You can scale these values, but otherwise,
you cannot change them.
To add gradient contents to a container
- With the fluid container selected, select
Fluid Effects > Add/Edit Contents > Gradients > .
The Fluid
Gradients Options window appears.
- Turn on the properties you want to be
represented by gradients, select a gradient, then click Apply
and Close.
Alternatively
- Add gradient contents to a container
from the fluidShape Attribute Editor.
- Under Contents Method,
change the method for the property (for example, Density) to Gradient,
and then change the property Gradient to
the desired type of gradient.
NoteIf you want a property
to behave dynamically, the Contents Method for
that property must be defined as Dynamic Grid, not Gradient or Static
Grid, and the Contents Method for Velocity cannot
be Off.