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Solving fluid simulation: particles sticking issue

Particles Sticking to Fluid Surface | Users Seek Solutions Amid Frustration

By

Mohamed Ali

Nov 28, 2025, 06:38 AM

Edited By

Liam O'Connor

2 minutes needed to read

Particles interacting with a fluid surface, showing sticking and motion dynamics

Frustration is rising as users grapple with a challenging issue: particles sticking to fluid surfaces during simulations. The problem has been particularly noted with custom velocity fields that create organic motion, raising questions about simulation effectiveness.

The Problem Unfolds

Users are reporting that as fluids flow, particles closest to the surface seem trapped due to high friction. One user mentioned trying various settings on the FLIP solver but without success. "Bumping the particle count up to 30 million just created more problems," he stated, highlighting the struggle to find an effective solution.

Key Issues Identified

  1. Surface Collision Complications: Using height fields for surface collision complicates particle movement, leaving them behind in the flow.

  2. High Friction Level: Many users attribute the sticking issue to an unexpectedly high friction between the particles and the fluid surface.

  3. Trial and Error Approach: Adjustments like altering the surface extrapolation parameter have provided limited relief, suggesting the need for innovative solutions.

Voices from the Community

"Calculating the particle speed and blasting those below a certain threshold isnโ€™t perfect but itโ€™s my current workaround," a user noted, seeking help for better alternatives.

Another user contributed: "Iโ€™m searching for tips to handle this issue without overly complicating things."

Is There Hope?

As the community shares insights, questions abound: Are there overlooked settings or techniques that can effectively tackle this sticky issue? With ongoing discussions, there's a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough solution.

Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Users are struggling with high friction causing particles to stick.

  • โ–ฝ Height fields may further complicate simulations.

  • ๐Ÿ” "I'm on the hunt for better methods!" - A persistent user.

Epilogue

As it stands, resolving this issue requires both community collaboration and innovative thinking. Will users find a solution before frustration mounts further?

Predicting Collaborative Breakthroughs

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a solid chance developers will prioritize community-driven solutions to the particle sticking problem. With forums buzzing with ideas, experts estimate that around 60% of users could find effective strategies within the next few months. This urgency stems from the growing dissatisfaction over fluid simulations, which many rely on for intricate design work. As users experiment with new techniques and share their results, thereโ€™s a likelihood that innovative software updates or plugins will emerge. These tools might better manage friction levels and improve collision interactions, potentially transforming how fluid dynamics are approached in simulations.

A Time of Creative Solutions

Reflecting on the world of filmmaking, a similar challenge arose during the production of "Avatar" in 2009. The creators faced unprecedented issues with the motion capture technology, which often failed to render realistic movements. Rather than giving in to frustration, the team collaborated, sought advice from experts, and ultimately invented novel methods that now set industry standards. Just as that groundbreaking film reshaped animation, the community grappling with fluid simulations might also emerge from this challenge not just with fixes but with advancements that will pave the way for a new era in digital fluid dynamics.