Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470192801 ISBN 13: 9780470192801

Publisher: Sybex, 2008

Learn all about Blender, the premier open-source 3D software, in Bounce, Tumble, and Splash!: Simulating the Physical World with Blender 3D. You will find step-by-step instructions for using Blender’s complex features and full-color visual examples with detailed descriptions of the processes. If you’re an advanced Blender user, you will appreciate the sophisticated coverage of Blender’s fluid simulation system, a review Blender’s latest features, and a guide to the Bullet physics engine, which handles a variety of physics simulations such as rigid body dynamics and rag doll physics.

From the Back Cover:

Defy the Rules of 3D and Get Physical with Blender

Bounce, Tumble, and Splash! is the only book to cover the advanced simulation features of Blender, the premier open source 3D software that is a must-have for your animation toolbox. Expert author Tony Mullen provides you with the real-world know-how to create dynamic, highly realistic images of flames, cloth, hair and other physical phenomena from the world around you. This unique guide will help you push the boundaries of 3D and take your Blender skills to the limit.

You'll discover the very latest Blender physics and dynamics tools, including simulations for soft body, fluid, rigid body, and rag doll dynamics. Hone the skills to create stormy seas, flowing hair, or fiery flames with the sophisticated coverage of advanced Blender features included in this beautiful, full-color guide.

• Set particle parameters, define systems, and discover new Blender particle functionality

• Explore the new cloth simulation, improved tools for soft bodies, and the Demolition Python script
• Style the latest look in hair with strand particles, new styling tools, and new features for hair and fur
• Make a splash with fluid simulations and modifiers
• Use the Blender Game Engine and the Bullet physics library to create rigid body physics simulations

• Build realistic trees and plants with Blender scripts and third-party tools

Create dynamic hair effects using hair styling and soft body simulation for particles

Use the improved soft bodies to create jiggling, bouncing objects

Valuable Companion CD
Access the CD for Blender 2.46 installers for Windows and Macintosh and a source tarball for users of Linux and other flavors of Unix. You'll also find a variety of .blend files to support the projects in the book.

About the Author:

Tony Mullen, PhD, teaches at Tsuda College, Tokyo, where his courses include modeling and animation with Blender as well as the Python programming language. Mullen has been a cartoonist and an illustrator and has a broad background in CG-related work. His screen credits include writer, codirector, or lead animator on several short films, including the award-winning Gustav Braüstache shorts. He is also the author of Introducing Character Animation with Blender (Sybex).