Particle Swirl Vortex

[high-spite]

Hi Dr Sassi,

Was wondering if you knew of a technique to create this swirl/vortex like effect please. I've done a few attempts but can't seem to get that shape on the tendrils where it starts of thin, puffs out and then thins out again.
Swirl.c4d

Thanks in advance
Vii

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Vii,

The version …_21.c4d might be close, but have a look at previous versions; perhaps you can take some parts of those.
CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_22.c4d

CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_11.c4d
CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_01.c4d

Working with Follow Splines is tricky, as they jump to the next or (if the value is smaller) lose connection. Hence, my focus is on Forces with some Fields to add variety.

Please let me know if anything is unclear or could be improved.

Perhaps work with a few emitters to separate the "brightness" of the particles more easily. …_22.c4d
CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_22.c4d

All the best

[Dr. Sassi]

P.S.: or is it more this, press play
CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_31.c4d

[high-spite]

Hi Dr Sassi. Was having those issues using follow spline. Thanks for the tips, really helpful to see the workings. Had a play with 31.c4d by changing the size of the emitters mid animation that seems to create the crescent shape on the tendril.

Say I wanted to have the particles small towards the beginning and end of the spline and big towards the middle. I've used a data mapper to give size variation to the particles using age. Is this the best way to do this with particles along a spline?

cv4_2025_drs_sisr_32.c4d

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Vii,

Your image and text convey different ideas about the size, with the text being larger towards the middle, which means the curve you have set would be mirrored vertically. Do I get this right from your file? Either way, yes, I would use the Data Mapper.

Teh Spline problem, I placed it into the internal discussion, and I'm curious what I get as reply. I let you know.

Thank you for the file. Yes, I hadn't created something like this, so I was just creating something similar here. I share it not to answer your post but to add to the variety in your thread here.

CV4_2025_drs_SIsr_51.c4d
If there is anything else, please don't hesitate to ask. Please note I'm on the West Coast and call it a day now.

Enjoy your project.

Cheers

[high-spite]

Thanks Dr Sassi, super helpful advice as always

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you very much for your feedback, high-spite.

If there is any question about this, please let me know.
I'm happy to explore it.

I wish a a lot of success with your project

Cheers