Live-streamed Workshop
FlexHopper
Massive Parallel Physics Simulation in Grasshopper
May 24th, 25th, (26th) 2018
Morning session: 09:00-12:30 (UTC+1)
Afternoon session: 13:30-17:00 (UTC+1)
Recordings of the workshop can now be found here.
FlexHopper brings particle-based physics simulation in Rhino and Grasshopper to the next level by making use of massively parallel GPU computation. Based on the patented unified particle engine NVIDIA Flex, it offers the simulation of rigid / deformable bodies, particles, fluids, phase transitions, massive spring systems, cloth, inflatables and gases and allows for interaction between those material systems.
In this 2.5 day workshop within the ITECH program, students will acquire an in-depth understanding of FlexHopper. After an introduction to particle-based physics simulation and GPU computation in general, a set of specific architecture-oriented examples covering the full range of FlexHopper’s functionality will be collectively established and explained in detail. This includes the simulation of the material systems as well as custom defined constraints, setting up the simulation environment, tuning the simulation parameters and optimizing the solver for reliable, fast computation.
While the sessions on May 24th and 25th will be used for in depth skill development with pre-made example files, the last workshop day can be used for the development of individual projects.
Attendance of the last workshop day is not mandatory.
Preparation
To participate in the workshop (online or in the class), you will have to take the following steps:
1. Hardware
You will have to a notebook with a dedicated graphics card by NVidia or AMD, running one of the following drivers:
NVIDIA Geforce Game Ready Driver 372.90 or above AMD Radeon Driver Version 16.9.1 or above.
2. Rhino
A 64bit version of Rhino 5 or 6 is required.
3. Grasshopper
If you're not using Rhino 6, make sure to have the latest version of Grasshopper installed.
4. FlexHopper
Make sure to install the latest version of FlexHopper.
Important: As FlexHopper is still under development, frequently check for new versions of the plug-in until the first day of the workshop. If you have problems getting FlexHopper to work, contact Benjamin Felbrich before the workshop starts.
Handouts and demo files will be provided on day one of the workshop.