Learn Blender Simulations the Right Way - Second Edition: Transform your artistic vision into stunning, realistic simulations with Blender 4.0

by Stephen Pearson

Overview

Founder of BlenderMadeEasy, Stephen Pearson, will take your Blender skills to the next level by helping you create realistic simulations like fire, water, and explosions in this beginner-friendly illustrated guide

Key Features

• Gain in-depth knowledge of each physics-based simulation that Blender has to offer
• Construct advanced fire, smoke, and liquid animations using Blender’s built-in Mantaflow system
• Create nine different realistic animations with step-by-step guides using every simulation in Blender
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Ready to unleash the power of visual effects? From explosive movie scenes to mind-bending game animations, this second edition pushes Blender 4.0+ beyond what you thought possible. Featuring a brand-new chapter on combining multiple simulations for a burning effect and updated guidance on rendering with EEVEE, this book takes your Blender expertise to new heights. While Blender excels in 3D modeling and animation, this guide focuses specifically on VFX, helping you master realistic simulations using EEVEE and Cycles. You'll explore five physics-based simulations—Fluid, Rigid Body, Soft Body, Cloth, and Dynamic Paint—learning essential settings, troubleshooting techniques, and practical workflows. Through nine hands-on projects, including fire, waterfalls, and explosions, you’ll develop the skills to create stunning digital effects. Written by a VFX specialist who has taught thousands through best-selling courses, this book will help you build an impressive portfolio of professional-quality VFX projects in Blender and bring your creative visions to life!

What you will learn

• Create a realistic campfire simulation with sparks and motion blur
• Simulate a chaotic explosion using smoke, fire, and particle effects
• Implement Fluid simulation for a waterfall with waves and foam
• Use the Soft Body system to simulate a sphere moving through obstacles
• Apply Cloth physics to animate a waving flag attached to a pole with ropes
• Master the Rigid Body system to create a Rube Goldberg machine-like animation
• Animate painting effects and raindrops using Dynamic Paint
• Combine multiple simulation effects to create a burning effect animation

Who this book is for

This book is for VFX artists, 3D artists, game designers, and Blender artists who want to improve their skill set and learn all about the wonderful world of computer-generated physics simulations. Having a good grasp of the Blender interface is necessary to get started.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781836200055
Publisher:	Packt Publishing
Publication date:	04/28/2025
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Stephen Pearson is a 3D artist, graphic and product designer, video producer, and the founder of BlenderMadeEasy. He has worked in the 3D industry for over 11 years and has produced several best-selling courses on architectural visualization, Visual Effects (VFX) simulations, and animation. He started using Blender in 2014 as a fun hobby, but now he uses it to teach other 3D artists around the world. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring local breweries, going for a ride on his motorcycle, and playing with his two dogs.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Mantaflow
2. Understanding Domains, Flows, and Effectors
3. Creating a Realistic Campfire Simulation
4. Creating a Waterfall Using Mantaflow
5. Creating a Realistic Explosion
6. Getting Started with Soft Bodies
7. Creating a Soft Body Obstacle Course
8. An Introduction to Cloth Simulations
9. Creating a Realistic Flag
10. An Introduction to Rigid Bodies
11. Creating a Rigid Body Physics Course
12. An Introduction to Dynamic Paint
13. Creating a Paintbrush Effect
14. Creating a Raindrop Effect
15. Creating a Burning-Up Effect