Stefan Viljoen <spamnot@ wrote:
> Hi guys
> 
> I want to somehow drop spheres into a box, and someone on pov.general
> suggested that I use megapov's mechsim function. I have taken a look at it,
> but it looks quite involved... am I correct in stating the following, and
> if not, why:
> 
> 1. The mechsim functions can only work with iso-surfaces. I cannot, for
> example, construct a "container" / constraining set of surfaces from CSG,
> and expect it to work. Is this wrong or right?

Wrong.  Both functions and objects are supported as environments.  Yet 
there are good reasons for using functions (as outlined in the docs).

> [...]
> 
> I.e  can I constrain masses in the Z axis (the "bottom" of the holder) AND
> the sides (say, in the X axis).? I. e. can I use two axises for constraints
> and reactions? One being the apparently easily defined mechsim plane, and
> the other the "inner" surfaces of an isosurface containing the masses?

Sorry but i have no idea what you are talking about.  A sample scene 
with explanation what should work differently might be helpful.

> 4. Non - circular masses? I know about bars, but can you use another
> isosurface or a well-behaved mesh with an in and outside? I. e. use
> something other than a sphere or a bar as a visual representation for a
> mass?

As explained in the docs you can build up arbitrarily complex shapes 
from masses, connections and faces.  mechsim.inc contains macros for 
some basic ones (blocks, patches and lines).  How you visualize the 
simulation results is up to you (mechsim.inc contains macros for this as 
well).

> 5. Mechsim works exclusively in animations

No.  The mechsim patch in fact works completely independent from the 
animation feature (although you can of course use the clock variable).

> If I am asinine or not worth answering, does anybody have a pointer to any
> tutorials or docs except those that already come with MegaPov?

In fact the sample and tutorial scenes already contain several examples 
quite close to 'filling spheres into a container'.  tutorial03.pov and 
glow_sim.pov in particular might be useful (in combination with 
simulation method 4).

Christoph

-- 
POV-Ray tutorials, include files, Landscape of the week:
http://www.imagico.de/ (Last updated 31 Oct. 2005)
MegaPOV with mechanics simulation: http://megapov.inetart.net/

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