Computational fluid dynamics is one of the oldest areas of computer simulation, and probably one of the most commonly requested features of most VFX projects. Not only for fluids, but now also for fire, smoke, and more, it’s an area with lots of well-developed software products but frequently with little understanding of what actually is going on under the hood. FXGuide has a nice starter article on the field of CFD, and some of the big names in VFX fluid simulation.
One of the most significant and commonly requested areas of real world simulation is fluid simulation. From pouring shots to ocean vistas, directors and artists have come to rely on computer simulated water and similar fluids. Fluid dynamics is a complex area and fluid simulations are notoriously computationally expensive, yet when they work they can provide magnificent production value and breathtaking visual effects.
