Incremental rotation like chain

[EstebanAV]

Hi everyone!

Here I go again asking for some kind help.
I'm trying to get something like the attached image using an Array 2S. It consists of having several pieces scattered along a spline but need to rotate them slowly to form waves, so the start and the end of each individual piece should be connected to the next one. The result would be a continuous curve that sometimes could be higher, sometimes lower.

Once that's accomplished, how to change the padding so the wave doesn't repeat equally in all Y segment rows?
I've tried the Christmas tree tutorial logic but the pieces get separated in both edges. Any ideas will be welcome and hope I explained it well.

Thanks!

[Paul Roberts]

Hi,

Thanks for the interesting question. Because you can't deform geometry in RailClone without a spline, I think the best way to solve this is by using two splines, one for the undulation, and another for the actual ceiling path. The undulating spline should be longer than the final path so that we can randomise its position without it repeating.

You can then use nested generators. An L1S generator adds a single ceiling strip along the undulating spline. This is then nested inside an A2S array to create multiple strips. To randomise them, we wire a Random Number node to the Left Padding. Set the Generate On value to Y Row and then each strip is randomly offset.



In the attached file I've also added a clipping spline to clean up the start of the spline and added a Sequence to allow you to control the number of strips.

I hope that helps, please take a look at the file and feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

All the best,

Paul

[Dragan]

Nice and flexible solution. 

[EstebanAV]

This is simply awesome! Thank you a lot Paul once again for your time and for bringing up a solution to my issue.
This helps me quite a bit to move on with my work. What I really like the most here is the simplicity and effectiveness of the graph for this solution.
What an amazing support you guys offer!

[Paul Roberts]

Glad we could help out!