4.1 Understanding mass and flexibility in animation
2 min read•july 25, 2024
and are key elements in creating believable animated movement. These principles affect how objects accelerate, deform, and respond to collisions, , and other forces. Understanding their interplay allows animators to craft more realistic and engaging visuals.
Applying these concepts involves adjusting , exaggerating , and implementing secondary animations. From character design to environmental interactions, mastering mass and flexibility principles elevates the quality and authenticity of animated scenes.
Mass and Flexibility in Animation
Mass effects on animated movement
Top images from around the web for Mass effects on animated movement
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions · Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions · Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Mass effects on animated movement
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions · Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions · Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions | Physics View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Mass influence on movement drives resisting motion changes and determining object's force
Impact on causes lighter objects to speed up quicker while heavier objects need more force to move
based on mass results in heavier objects resisting shape changes and lighter objects deforming easily
show heavier objects maintaining course while lighter objects bounce or deflect more
Gravity effects make heavier objects fall faster in air as lighter objects experience more air resistance
Flexibility and squash-stretch potential
Flexibility defined as ability to bend without breaking and range of deformation before returning to shape
principle exaggerates deformation during motion while maintaining volume
Correlation between flexibility and squash/stretch allows more flexible objects to have greater deformation potential
Material properties affecting flexibility include returning to original shape and causing permanent deformation
Animation techniques for flexible objects utilize pre-stretching before action and continuing movement after
Real-world examples of mass vs flexibility
Observing natural phenomena contrasts falling leaves with heavy fruits and water droplets with viscous liquids
Comparing material behaviors examines rubber ball vs steel ball bounce and fabric movement vs rigid plastic
Animal locomotion analysis distinguishes elephant walk from cat jump and bird flight from fish swimming
Sports physics demonstrates golf ball compression on impact and pole vault flex transferring energy
Everyday object interactions showcase car suspension compression and trampoline surface deformation
Applying mass and flexibility principles
Character design considerations factor body type influencing movement and clothing/accessory physics
Timing and adjustments create slower movements for heavier objects and quicker actions for lighter ones
techniques emphasize weight shifts in walks/runs and accentuate flexibility in dynamic poses
implements jiggle physics for soft body parts and drag/follow-through for appendages
depicts character footsteps on varied surfaces and object reactions to wind/water
strategies involve joint placement for proper deformation and weight painting for realistic skin movement
Animation principles integration incorporates for natural motion paths and for staggered body part movement