Deforming geometry with particles?

[noodleman]

Hi, I'd like to create an effect similar to that of Paul Smith's in his "Jiggly Bit" video (see below), but instead of an object being deformed by a "prodding" geometry, I'd like to use emitted particles (with instanced shapes) to deform the object.

Here's the ICE tree for Paul Smith's effect (it's attached as a simulated ICE tree to the object being deformed):



And the video:



What's confusing me is with what I ought to replace the "Get Closed Location on Geometry" node, since I assume some new logic is required when trying to interact with particles.

Thanks!

[Bullit]

Wouldn't these ones be better?

[noodleman]

Hi bullet, those are definitely helpful, thanks! The video and tree I posted were of the effect I wanted to achieve (but with particles). I was hoping to avoid using a single-axis push effect since the object I'll be deforming is more spherical than it is planar and the particles will be approaching from all angles.

[noodleman]

I think I figured it out. It might require a few tweaks, but this more or less does the trick:

[Bullit]

I see now that you wanted to do the deforming with instances - my fault due to speed reading - i'll have to test this since it is an effect i think it is interesting.

[noodleman]

Now that I've figured this out, I seem to be having one more problem: This effect requires a simulated ICE tree, but I'd ultimately like to add a shape animation to this affected geometry. Unfortunately, ICE simulation kills the animation stack. Is there a workaround for this?

[Bullit]

You can cache and then read it in another ice tree and deform. Before that try the Post Simulation stack in the ice tree.