Converting 2d Fluid To 3d

[visualbleeding]

I read a while back that ILM set up their fluid sims using 2d fluids and then scripted a conversion to 3d fluids, does anyone know more specifically how this can be achieved?

[visualbleeding]

on certain occasions i found this expression works

setAttr fluidShape1.is2d 0

it basically converts the "height field" to a legitimate third dimension. Still, this is not particularly helpful for highly detailed deep simulations such as explosions. I think at ilm they did the following:

Imagine a cross section through the middle of a mushroom cloud, says Hammack. Take several of those, rotate them around, interpolate the velocities between, and you end up with an organic, rounded-shaped cylinder from a few unique 2D sims. its a great technique to create fine detail for a complicated, large-scale effect when you're working with something that's semi-symmetrical.

http://www.cgw.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&amp...1F4C4C0B45EFD9D