Bridge collapse simulation - MassFX / PhysX / Reactor??

[viscon]

We need to animate a historic re-enactment of a bridge collapsing. I was hoping to use MassFX for it, using a lot of constraints to hold all the components together while allowing for some rotation and breaking between pieces. But MassFX just can't seem to handle it, when i run the simulation it either crashes or the objects explode all over the scene. Am I just missing something? I guess my other options are looking at the Physx plugin or possibly reactor, in max 2011.

Attached is a screenshot showing the main portions of the bridge, and an image showing the bridge collapsed. For reference, the bridge spins 90deg on the center base to allow boats to travel by. The bridge operator started to turn the bridge with ~60 cows on one side, so that side of the bridge sunk down about 10', raising the other side of the bridge, then it snapped in the middle and fell in the river.

Any advice / suggestions? Thanks!

[Dariusz Makowski (Dadal)]

I suggest hand animate it and get extra flying elements using particles. Would be faster easier better saver

Alternatively u can make plane and just drop bridge on to it. Then use ffd to animate collapse and the bridge parts should follow plane. Just use high samples.

[wxyz]

Skinwrap-it to a cloth sim

[Dariusz Makowski (Dadal)]

Skinwrap-it to a cloth sim

Mao even better why haven't I thought of this 1

[joconnell]

http://www.rayfirestudios.com/ is well worth a look!

[jacksc02]

I would use rayfire.
Hand animating is fine but it never looks natural enough.

[Morbid Angel]

When we did this sequence http://media.blubrry.com/fxpodcast/m...tination-5.mp3
we used rayfire for cutting/splitting geometry, but the dynamics were done entirely in thinking particles. Also fume fx was used to create smoky/dusty effects. I must also add that a lot of geometry was split by hand to allow for maximum customization. The main bridge sway was done via rig and was animated without physics, and physics only took over when it started to crumble apart.