nxConstraints - Connection Distance

A connection layer whose springs are made and broken dynamically as particles move.

Unlike Connection Birth, these connections are calculated throughout the sim. Whenever two particles come within the Radius at any time, a connection is made between them. Add it from the + menu in the nxConstraints Layers list, then select the layer to show these settings.

The Connection Distance layer settings

Weight

Sets how much this layer contributes to the overall constraint solution. With a single layer this can be left at its default, 100%. When you combine several layers, lower it to blend the connections in more gently, or raise it above 100% to give them more influence.

Connection Limit

The maximum number of connections each particle can make. Defaults to 8, up to a maximum of 64.

Radius

The distance between two particles must be less than this value for a connection to be made. Defaults to 0.4m.

Stiffness

How strong each connection is. Raise it to make the springs stiffer, lower it to make them looser. Defaults to 80%.

Break

Sets the stretch at which a connection snaps, as a percentage of the length it had when it formed. If the spring stretches beyond this, it breaks. Defaults to 0%.