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View Full Version : Making a realistic looking surf wave

jobw
08-11-2005, 07:01 AM
Howdy
Im looking at possibly making a short visualisation of a reef wave in Fiji for a surf film. The sequence is there to explain the way a wave breaks on a coral reef. So as well as a lump of moving swell with spray/particles coming off the top, Im looking at progressing this into a pitching forward wave (that hollow, tubular, barrel shape) as the height of the wave becomes greater than the wave length.
http://www.hobie.com/images/template/store/VideosMedia/visions_l.jpg
I've never really seen a proper breaking wave done in 3d. Ive seen non breaking/pitching waves (eg Perfect Storm). So Im guessing lots of particles for white water foam. But to morph from lump to pitching wave.
http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/214/219266/breaking_wave_tasa.jpg
I would want the wave to break along the line of the wave (unlike this picture) eg from left to right.
First thing that comes to mind is blend shapes (in Maya). This would entail lots of vertex wrangling and well....hell if theres an easier more procedural method then I would love that.
Dont really have a pref for max or maya. So am looking for general concepts and/or technical tips.
Any links and or movie tips appreciated.
Thanks a bunch
Larrikin
08-12-2005, 12:14 PM
Well there is a few ways to make 3d waves, I found the easiest ways was to work with a plane (in max) 40x40. I also tried morphing but it wasn't easy.

It took me 3 months to figure out the best way to do it. I also tried nurbs but the surface kept tesselating and jumping up and down through out the animation.
Remi
08-12-2005, 05:57 PM
Realflow....maybe:shrug:
Boa
08-13-2005, 09:13 AM
You might find a case study useful that was posted by Brandon Davies:

http://www.particlefx.com/animation/intermedia/index.html

Andrea
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08-13-2005, 09:13 AM
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