html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The Gnomon Workshop has released Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using Houdini, a masterclass in professional simulation workflows, recorded by FX Artist Alvaro J. Segura.The advanced workshop provides over three hours of video training in Houdini and Nuke, and is demonstrated using Houdini IndieMaster professional workflows for creating complex Houdini simulationsIn the workshop, Segura creates a complex simulation of a vehicle ploughing through deep sand, using Houdinis key toolsets and following practical production workflows.He begins by exploring how to use Vellum Grains, combining them with Pyro simulations to create a range of sand textures, from fine, dust-like particles to denser clumps.Segura reveals how to optimize collisions, and how to design custom velocity fields to enhance the realism of simulations.He also walks through the process of setting up TOP networks for wedging to streamline heavy simulations, segmenting them into separate containers for an efficient yet powerful workflow. In the final part of the tutorial, Segura sets out how to combine these containers back into a single volume as velocity and density VDBs for lighter, optimized volume handling.The workshop uses a commercial truck model from TurboSquid.About the artistAlvaro J. Segura is a Freelance FX Artist with over 15 years of experience at some of the worlds leading VFX companies, including MPC, Digital Domain, Zoic Studios and Blur Studio.He was FX Lead on The Lion King, and has also worked on movies including Terminator: Dark Fate, Black Panther, Ant-Man, and Pirates of the Caribbean.Pricing and availabilityCinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using Houdini is available via a subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, which provides access to over 300 tutorials.Subscriptions cost $57/month or $519/year. Free trials are available.Read more about Cinematic Sand & Dust Simulations Using HoudiniHave 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 dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by Gnomon.