Using The Barnes-Hut Approximation for Fast N-Body Simulations in Computer Graphics
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Eurographics Association
Abstract
Particle systems in CG often encounter performance issues when all the particles rely on mutual influence, producing an O(N2) performance. The Barnes-Hut approximation is used in the field of astrophysics to provide sufficiently accurate results in O(Nlog(N)) time. Here we explore a hardware accelerated implementation of this algorithm, implemented within SideFX Houdini - the commercial tool typically used for particle work in film. We are able to demonstrate a workflow with integrates into the existing artist friendly environment, with performance improved by orders of magnitudes for typically large simulations, and negligible visual change in results.
Description
CCS Concepts: Computing methodologies -> Scientific visualization; Massively parallel and high-performance simulations; Massively parallel algorithms; Applied computing -> Media arts
@inproceedings{10.2312:cgvc.20231197,
booktitle = {Computer Graphics and Visual Computing (CGVC)},
editor = {Vangorp, Peter and Hunter, David},
title = {{Using The Barnes-Hut Approximation for Fast N-Body Simulations in Computer Graphics}},
author = {Dravecky, Peter and Stephenson, Ian},
year = {2023},
publisher = {The Eurographics Association},
ISBN = {978-3-03868-231-8},
DOI = {10.2312/cgvc.20231197}
}