WHIP!

[erichedman]

I am trying to create a bullwhip effect similar to the one used by the fire creature in Lord of the Rings. I have tried using soft bodies with springs contolled by an IK handle but I find the control very difficult. Does anyone have any suggestions on how this effect can be done with a great deal of control. Should I use Maya or would it be easier in After Effects or Combustion? Thanks for the help,Steve.

[joojaa]

use the cloth module, but then you will need to move the gripping arm physicaly correctly! Softbodies could do it but not very well... Depends on the amount of controll you ndeed. You could allways do it manualy offcourse! With a sufficently siple curve it would work fine!

[mantrid]

Using Cloth to simulate the movement of a whip is definately the best way. But if you want the whip to do very specific things as opposed to a simulation, then there are a number of ways to produce the ffect. Linked rotation of bones and designated control points is usually quaite easy to use. IK Curve handles can also be useful, and have good interpolation, but are not so easy to animate.