EffectiveTDs has released Storm, a standalone granular simulation tool. Version 0.2.5 introduces expressions for all float and boolean parameters, a Linux version, a floating licensing option, and the ability for caches and images to be written in the background, leading to speed increases of up to 2X. It also adds forces based on chunks, a new wind mode force, improved Alembic sequence export to include more data, and multiple tool accelerations, along with viewport display enhancements and other fixes.
Key Improvements in Storm 0.2.5
Grains
- Enhanced grains behavior for increased speed.
- Improved stacking capabilities for grains.
- Introduced sleep mode for faster simulations.
- Option to start grains in a sleep state.
- Sticky grains that can follow deforming and static geometry.
- More channels for advanced shading control.
Core System
- Initial state setup for particles, enabling simulations to start from an existing one.
- Import any Alembic camera animation.
- Faster GPU accelerated viewport performance.
- New particle visualization options.
- Increased data saved on PRT exports.
- Adaptive Substepping for improved accuracy.
- Cross-platform compatibility with Windows and Mac.
Deflectors
- Improved collision detection.
- Enhanced SDF and grid visualization.
- Internal scaling options for all geometry.
- Volumes can be used to activate sleep particles, control stickiness, or delete particles.
- Refined friction model.
UI
- Contextual help tooltips directly on all parameters.
- Added shortcuts for quickly setting animation keyframes on any channel.
- Added drop lists for easier selection and cycling through options.
- Improved gizmos and a new rotation gizmo.
- Enhanced picking in the viewport.
- Playblasting is also possible through the menu.
