How to deform particle instances along their paths

[jacobo]

I have set up a bacteria flocking system using emflock. But the client would like the bacteria's cylindrical bodies to conform to their paths/trajectories.

How do I pull this off?

Many thanx in advance...

Cheers;

AJ

[grahamef]

Use Generate Strand Trails with Loft Shape Along Strand set to true.

I've never used emFlock but they should work together as long as Generate Strand Trails is connected after the Simulate node.

[jacobo]

I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that the particle instances are real instantiated geometry, like a polygonal object that has a cylindrical form. I tried what you recommended, it didn't work for me. I want the polygonal instances to deform conforming to their paths. It's quite strange that I ran out of all solutions...

Any more suggestions, anyone?

[dwigfor]

I'm away from SI now, but isn't there an Align to Velocity node?

[Tekano]

I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that the particle instances are real instantiated geometry, like a polygonal object that has a cylindrical form. I tried what you recommended, it didn't work for me. I want the polygonal instances to deform conforming to their paths. It's quite strange that I ran out of all solutions...

Any more suggestions, anyone?

Grahamef is correct you need to turn you particle instances into lofted along strands instances. your strands can then be made easily to deform along a curve (or align to thier velocity) and because each of your polygon object instances are deformed along the strand, they will do so also.

capiche..?

[grahamef]

Exactly. The quickest way to see this in action is probably to open the Particles_Strands_Fishes scene in XSI_SAMPLES/ICE, then get a cylinder with a reasonable number of subdivisions, connect an Instance Shape node to Shape port of Emit from Geometry, instantiate the cylinder, play through to the middle of the simulation and draw a render region.

[jacobo]

That's it... Thankx to everyone for taking the time to reply. You guys have been incredibly helpful. God bless

Cheers to everyone;

AJ