RealFlow 3

Company: Next Limit

Built using Qt, RealFlow 3 introduces a new fluid simulation algorithm using particle systems. The algorithm is based on real fluid dynamics equations (CFD) which is quite CPU intensive but allows RealFlow to achieve a high degree of realism. RealFlow is able to simulate several different kinds of fluids. The behaviour of the fluid depends on some parameters such as viscosity, pressure, drag factors, etc. Fluid particles also interact with moving objects (triangle meshes). By means of these two features, an advanced fluid dynamics engine and a robust collision detection engine, RealFlow is able to achieve astonishingly realistic results.

With RealFlow you can simulate effects such as gases expanding inside a pipe or moving through a valve system, liquids filling objects like bottles or glasses, highly viscous fluids such as honey or jelly, and even the behaviour of sand.

The mathematical coherence makes the results look realistic immediately; in fact, effects such as swirls, pressure shock waves, waves generated in a fluid due to the motion of the container, etc. can all been obtained with RealFlow. The main difference between RealFlow and other commercial particle systems currently on the market is the capability of particle self-interaction. In other tools, only external forces such as magnetic fields, gravitational fields or wind govern particle motion.

RealFlow considers the whole particle system as a continuous medium in which fluid particles are able to transmit many kinds of information to their neighbours. This unique feature allows RealFlow to accurately simulate fluid matter in a way never seen before in any other program of its category, effectively bringing fluid dynamics to the desktop computer.

For further information visit the Next Limit homepage.