Real-time Animation of Various Flame Shapes

Abstract

Working on the computer reconstruction of the Gallo-Roman forum of Bavay, we try to improve the feeling of immersion in the virtual environment. One way to achieve this is to provide realistic and dynamic light sources. In this context, we need to model candles, oil lamps, torches or bonfires. We propose in this paper a model that can handle complex flames in real-time and manage interactivity. The fire is considered as a set of linear flames whose shapes are defined by the geometry of the combustible and the fuel distribution. Each individual flame is represented by a textured NURBS surface. Then, combining several real-time effects such as glow and true transparency, we are able to make the NURBS surfaces merge in a convincing way, and to give the impression of a real fire.