This seminar-based course delves into the heart of physics-based animations of solids and fluids, a key component in fields ranging from visual effects and VR to digital fashion. Central to this is solving partial differential equations (PDEs) using numerical methods, with applications extending to computational mechanics, robotic training, and 3D content creation. Combining lectures with student presentations, we will explore the simulation of various physical entities, such as rigid bodies, deformable bodies (open-source online book available, including Python and CUDA examples), shells, rods, liquids, and smoke, all the way from the discretization of the governing PDEs to the efficient implementation and evaluation of the numerical solvers.
Students will acquire a thorough understanding of both classic and state-of-the-art methods of solids and fluids simulation in computer graphics. They will also gain insights into the existing challenges in enhancing and applying these methods within the broader field.
There are 3 options for the final coding project:
As indicated, each project option necessitates the exploration of uncharted avenues. Even if the outcomes are not as anticipated, the research experience gained is intrinsically valuable. Simply repeating what has already been done is not adequate.
You are permitted to utilize open-source code in all options with proper acknowledgement of the source. If there isn't any available online implementation for a baseline method, you will need to undertake the implementation.
The project can be carried out as a team of 1-3 people (to be registered). You are required to write a project report including introduction, related works, methods, results, and discussion. There are also project presentations.
Each student needs to perform a paper presentation (20-min talk + 5-min Q&A, schedule to be registered). The paper for the presentation needs to be selected from recent physics-based animation papers published at top computer graphics venues as listed on this site. Presenting other papers is also allowed after confirming with the instructor.
Each team needs to perform 3 project presentations (see our Schedule, length based on number of teams), they are Project Proposal Presentation, Midterm Progress Presentation, and Final Project Presentation. The main goal of these presentations are to ensure you distribute the workload evenly during the semester, get inspired by your classmates, and receive valuable feedback.
In this course, you are permitted to use generative AI tools for your presentations and course projects. These tools, such as ChatGPT, or others, can be powerful aids to increase efficiency, inspire creativity, and help you complete high-quality work.
Mandatory Appendix for AI Tool Usage. If you employ AI tools for your presentation or project, you are required to include an appendix in your submission that explains how and to what extent the AI tools were used.
Accuracy and Responsibility. It is crucial to understand that AI-generated content may not always be accurate or reliable. It is your responsibility to verify the validity and relevance of such content before incorporating it into your work. Failure to do so may result in a loss of scores.
By using AI tools in this course, you acknowledge your understanding and agreement to abide by these guidelines. Failure to comply will be considered a violation of CMU's academic integrity policy and may result in disciplinary actions.