Advanced DMM Object types

A DMM object can have an input surface mesh that matches its Tet Cage (this is how the DMM primitives have an input surface mesh). A DMM object can have no input surface mesh at all (in which case there is no simulated surface mesh). And a DMM object can have a surface mesh that is completely different than its Tet Cage. The plugin allows the easy creation of all three types (matching surface, no surface, unmatched surface). Most menu items work with any of these types.

In order to create a DMM object with a matched surface use the "DMM Asset >> Create DMM Object Primitive" sub-menu selection or the "DMM Asset >> Create DMM Object From Polymesh" sub-menu selection. In order to create a DMM object with no input surface mesh use the "DMM Asset >> Create Bare DMM Object" sub-menu selection. In order to create a DMM object with an unmatched surface, first create a DMM object with no surface mesh (a bare DMM object), select a surface mesh and the bare DMM object and then select the "DMM Asset >> Add Surface Mesh to bare DMM Object" sub-menu item.

Here is a description of the different menu items that create DMM objects:

Menu item DMM asset type Description
From Polymesh DMM Object starting with Tet Cage Initially, the DMM Object as a Tet Cage but no Surface Mesh
From Triangulated Polymesh DMM Object starting with Triangle Cage Same as first item, only that the Tet Cage is already a triangulated mesh. The tetrahedrons triangles located on the surface will match the ones of the mesh.
From Tetrahedral Polymesh DMM Object starting with Tet Mesh The mesh is already a set of tetrahedrons to be simulated as is.
From Plane Polymesh DMM Object starting with a plane Mesh The mesh is a 2D polymesh. The generated Tet Mesh will be given a certain width. This is useful to create flat volumes.

As a comparison, here is the description of the most common type (created when using primitives or when using "Create DMM Object from Polymesh" menu item).

Regular DMM Object DMM Object starting with Surface Mesh The DMM Object shares the same mesh for the Tet Cage and the Input Surface Mesh

For an existing DMM Object, the DMM asset type is displayed by the Asset Manager.

Requirements for a Tet Mesh
  • Need to be made of tetrahedrons
  • Can't have a distorted mesh where at least one tetrahedron is inverted (pulled through itself)
  • Can have more than one component



Next: DMM Scene node