Here is a little something I've been testing around things with.

http://vimeo.com/6491211 [vimeo.com]

Not sure if this is a “wip” yet but more like a test that can maybe become a wip haha

It uses Johners voronoi fractureing from odforce.net, and it uses RBD group activation with a animated sphere that turns the RBD's on.

Currently using this to see if I can increase the phys simulation time, sure it's procedural and I can get cool data out like Impact/Impact/Impulse but it's still kinda sad that these 300 pieces in my bridge takes 1,5 hour to sim..while nvidia does this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JtAdTon0JA [youtube.com]

But im enjoying myself, I am curious if I can setup some good way for particles to spawn realy cool at the break areas, but sofar no idea how to “identify” and “key” the break areas at the correct time, but problems need to be solved

this is awesome!

Very cool.

I'm about to post this but since I saw your collapse figured I'd ask you directly. I'm producing a feature film with Frida Torresblanco of Pan's Labyrinthe. We shoot in April through May. I'm going to be utilizing quick dream effects, 4-5 seconds tops, and was exploring the possibility of using Houdini. I know the assets are difficult to construct and we are a low budget. I was wondering if you had enough assets on hand or could cobble together enough with friends to make this work. As an example the bridge collapse could work. The dreams or nightmares are primal renderings of unconscious states i.e. a building collapsing on you, drowning, being torn apart etc etc. If you're interested and able, let me know and I can tell you more. I am in NY.

Very cool.

I'm about to post this but since I saw your collapse figured I'd ask you directly. I'm producing a feature film with Frida Torresblanco of Pan's Labyrinthe. We shoot in April through May. I'm going to be utilizing quick dream effects, 4-5 seconds tops, and was exploring the possibility of using Houdini. I know the assets are difficult to construct and we are a low budget. I was wondering if you had enough assets on hand or could cobble together enough with friends to make this work. As an example the bridge collapse could work. The dreams or nightmares are primal renderings of unconscious states i.e. a building collapsing on you, drowning, being torn apart etc etc. If you're interested and able, let me know and I can tell you more. I am in NY.