The mysterious sun
The Technical Challenge: The objective was to simulate the physically complex behavior of a star, focusing on solar flares and prominences. Without existing curve data for solar flares, I focused on an R&D approach based on solar physics.
Technical Implementation:
Magnetic Field Computation: Rather than manually drawing curves, I procedurally placed magnetic sources on the stellar surface. By computing the resulting magnetic fields, I generated the characteristic “arc” shapes of solar flares, ensuring an organic and physically-driven result.
Surface & Prominence Simulation: The stellar surface was procedurally generated to react to flare activity. For the prominences (lava), I utilized a FLIP fluid solver integrated with extensive custom forces to achieve the unique, low-gravity turbulence seen in solar eruptions.
Procedural Integrity: Every element of the simulation is 100% procedural. This ensures the system is scalable and allows for rapid iteration of solar activity patterns.
Stellar R&D: Technical Offshoots
“While developing the core solar simulation, I identified specific technical workflows that held significant potential for standalone procedural studies. These projects represent a deep dive into the underlying physics and aesthetic logic of solar phenomena.”
System 01: Magnetic Trajectory Study – An exploration of high-energy plasma patterns, derived from the solar flare magnetic field logic. It focuses on procedural curve aesthetics and energy advection.
System 02: Fluid Eruption Dynamics – Developed from the solar prominence simulation technique, this study focuses on refining FLIP fluid solvers to achieve unique, art-directable eruption patterns.