This is similar to the built-in ocean included in Carrara, but has a few
important features that set it apart.
It uses different resolutions depending on the distance from the center,
which reduces it's memory usage while allowing much larger scenes. A single
Ocean object can cover a square mile, with a resolution in the center down
to 1 foot or less, depending on memory and render time. The built-in
Carrara ocean is limited to a 1024x1024 grid
You can have different resolution setting for preview and render, which
speeds up your editing process.
It has separate settings for swell and chop, which allows better
simulation of the open ocean. (Swell is the large, slow waves that are
caused by far-away storms. Chop is the short-length waves caused by local
winds.)
Waves are calculated by multiple overlapping waveforms, (currently about 40) and wave speed
and wave length are related by physics formulas.
Option to curve distant parts of the grid down, simulating the curve of the earth.
Please do save before you change resolution settings.
Some combinations may attempt to use all memory, or take too long to display. (In other words, I put no artificial limits on it, so you can try extreme resolution or size if your project needs it and you have the time.)
Tip: If you want to get a feel for real-world wave statistics, head to MagicSeaWeed.com which has current and forecast numbers in the style I use in the plugin. (i.e. height and period)
Different grid resolutions
Waves in preview
Float Modifier
You might want boats and bouys to float in your new ocean. This modifier will do the job! Simply make sure you boat is
parented to the ocean, and add this to the boat's modifier list.
Integrated with the ocean primitive for performance
Can be turned on or off during your timeline
Can optionally pitch and roll the boat (or other floating object) to match the waves
Uses the average wave height based on the size of your object, not just the normal at the point of contact, so a 20 foot boat
won't rock wildly in 1 foot waves.
You can still animate movement in X-Y, and the modifier will keep your boat on the water.
To adjust how high the boat floats in the water, change the object's hotspot to where you want the waterline.
Brianorca Ocean Plugin Package: $15 USD
I will try to get it emailed to you within 24 hours. Price includes future versions.
Tested in Carrara 8.0-8.5 Windows 32-bit and 64-bit
Also compiled for Mac (PPC, 32bit, or 64bit)
Work in progress: (no gurantees) "Wet" Shader
Sometimes you need the wet part of an object to be shaded differently
Automatically mix different shaders depending on if it is above or below the waterline. (works now)
Tip: You can also use it in the alpha channel of your ocean to make the ocean dissappear where your boat's hull is. This will keep the inside of your boat "dry."
FUTURE: Specify time for the shader to dry out after getting wet. (Not fully implemented yet)
