Per-Particle Field Attributes

Here is an incredibly handy tip from the FXPHD training course MYA217 Maya Effects by Pasha Ivanov.

If you have a particle system being affected by a field, you can control the magnitude (or any other parameter) of the field on a per-particle basis. Here's how:

Let's say starL_nParticle is being driven by approachCurve_volumeAxisField

1. Create a new attribute on star_nParticle
2. Make the new attibute per particle (array)
3. Name the new attribute approachCurve_volumeAxisField_magnitude

You now have a per-particle attribute to control the magnitude of the field's effect. You can create a per-particle attribute for any of the field's perameters (e.g. alongAxis) but the crucial thing to remember is the naming of the per-particle attribute: it MUST be in the form of

fieldName_perameterName

Maya will understand that syntax and make the connection for you.