Get standalone GPU FLIP fluid solver Storm HydroFX free in beta
VFX artist and tools developer Sebastian Schäfer has released Storm HydroFX, a promising new standalone GPU-accelerated FLIP fluid solver, in free open beta.
The software, a simplified version of Storm, Schäfer’s existing standalone multiphysics simulation tool, can export liquid simulations in Alembic format for use in other CG software.
A streamlined, node-free version of Storm focused on liquid simulation
Schäfer describes Storm HydroFX as a simplified, node-free version of Storm, his standalone particle-based VFX simulation tool.
Unlike Storm, which simulates a range of material types, including granular fluids, smoke and fire, and cloth, Storm HydroFX is specifically focused on liquid simulation.
It uses a FLIP fluid solver – “written from the ground up” for the app – so as well as simulating the motion of the body of the water, it is capable of generating foam and splashes.
The solver is GPU-accelerated – it requires a NVIDIA GPU – and uses an adaptive domain to reduce memory usage: according to Schäfer, it handles “multi-million particle [sims] with ease”.
It is also possible to interact with simulations while they are running, to change simulation parameters, or to move emitters, collision geometry or forces around.
Geometry can be imported in OBJ or Alembic (ABC) format for use as emitters or colliders.
Import geometry in OBJ or Alembic format, and export sims as Alembic caches or USD
Completed simulations can be exported as particle caches in Alembic, USD or PRT formats, or – for quick preview renders – you can surface the sim in Storm HydroFX, and export the surface in OpenVDB format.
That should make it possible to import and render the simulation in a range of DCC applications and game engines, including 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya and Unreal Engine.
There isn’t currently much documentation for Storm HydroFX, but the UI is similar to that of Storm itself, so this tutorial should cover the basics.
Price, system requirements and release date
Storm HydroFX is currently available free in open beta for Windows only. It requires a NVIDIA GPU. You don’t need to register on the website to download it.
Download the free beta of Storm HydroFX from the product website
Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don’t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.