CINEVERSITY

Hi Tom,

Here is an alternative, I believe that Dynamic and Simulation have their place, but I think a simpler and more controllable solution is better here.

The idea is to have a Spline defined (which you might have already) and use this in a Volume setup.
CV4_2025_drs_25_ANfg_01.c4d

This allows to define and animate the "thickness" of the material while animating a Spline Interface (see image)
Screenshot 2025-01-10 at 10.17.15 AM.jpg

This allows for a very fast animation setup.

An SDF Dilate Erode can be set up for a Global size change to create an even more detailed setup for the animation.

The cube is there as an example that the solution can be defined by a geometry Context (subtract)

Let me know if that works for you.

Cheers

Hi table-state,

Thank you very much for sharing your findings

Sorry to reply so late; I had a day off yesterday and tons of stuff to do.

My best wishes for your project

Hi Pim,

Keyframes move the Balloon in the scene that its parent Null has; it is not a Simulation.

I have no idea how to keep the length of a Rope the same. I was in a more extended session with some other Master Trainers and asked, as I thought I might have missed something. The answer was that it is not a feature in the Simulation system. An indicator that it is not fully developed is perhaps that it has so far no connectors, like Springs, that I usually use for balloons and similar setups, see below (And yes, the string is behind. This needs to be baked and adjusted.

CV4_2024_drs_23_BUbr_01.c4d

I would animate the Balloon as needed and the rope's end, then connect the two. But that is just me.

All the best