Author: NL Team Publication: 02/07/2010 Category: Type: Tutorial

/ Tutorial

The Third Dimension

1. The Third Dimension
RealFlows workspace is three dimensional. This means that the position of an object or particle is always described by three coordinates, named X, Y and Z. This concept is not only valid for positions, but also for rotation, scale and many other characteristics, like the pivot point. In terms of dimensions, e.g. for a cube, the coordinates are also known as length, width and height. To specify an objects coordinates its important to have a reference point. This special point is called "origin" and is located at the scene centre of the scene. Following the XYZ notation, a particle with coordinates of [ 0,0,0 ] is directly located in the origin. In RealFlow the XYZ space is displayed as a system of three axis which represent a so-called coordinate system. A set of two coordinates (XY, XZ or ZY) is called a plane and is always two dimensional. Its also possible to create a coordinate system from just two axis. In this case the origins coordinates are [ 0,0 ]. A three dimensional domain gives the user the possibility to look at an object, or an entire scene, from all sides. This is also called perspective view and you can virtually walk around the objects. RealFlow also knows two dimensional views, like front, top or side. There, the point of view is fixed and can only be altered within two dimensions. This change of view is called panning.

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Visualization of a complex velocity vector field in RealFlow The 3D space is the place where your simulation happens. It includes a grid to let the user know where the origin is. Typically, a 3D scene also includes a camera, though this isnt absolutely necessary. With cameras its easier to store and recall certain views or follow other items in the scene. For this purpose, RealFlow supports multiple cameras and you can even import previously animated (or static) cameras from various applications. Everything thats created in RealFlow or added to the scene is also part of the 3D space and can be manipulated there. Another important feature of 3D programs is shading to improve the spatial impression. RealFlow offers different shading methods and you can also decide whether you want to illuminate the objects with one or two light sources. Together with the four standard views you have full control over your 3D elements.

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