HOW TO CREATE SAND DISINTEGRATION EFFECT USING MPM SOLVER

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create a character sand disintegration effect using the MPM solver workflow and how to render sand simulations using the Solaris workflow with Karma.

We’ll begin by preparing animated geometry and converting it into particles suitable for MPM simulation, then set up and tune the solver to achieve a controlled sand-style breakdown effect with stable and visually appealing results. You’ll explore techniques for improving motion flow, controlling disintegration timing, and optimizing simulations for better performance.

Next, we’ll move into Solaris for look development and rendering. You’ll learn how to load particle simulations into the Solaris context, set up quick materials, and efficiently light sim scenes. The lesson also covers using the Light Linker tool to include or exclude geometry from lights, applying ACES color management for consistent color results, and producing clean final outputs with Karma.

By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a complete basic workflow for creating, controlling, lighting, and rendering particle-based sand disintegration effects.

Character animation source: https://www.mixamo.com

This lesson is suitable for artists with a basic understanding of simulation workflows who want to explore MPM-based effects and modern USD rendering pipelines.