6.1.5 Move Elastic B-Spline Mesh along a Path

This example shows how a B-Spline can be subdivided using groups, and how these groups can be animated so the mesh moves along a path; a bit like a flying carpet.

1. Create a mesh using the function Create/Freeform/Mesh. The default size of 8x8 is fine.

2. Select the function View/Drawing_Set and set the C.Polyg gadget and deselect the Curve gadget. This allows you manipulate B-Spline mesh through its control polygon.

3. Make the mesh the current level by double clicking it on the Select window. Make sure it is still selected.

4. Subdivide the mesh horizontally to subgroups (create "columns", not "rows") by dragging while holding the <CTRL> and <SHIFT> keys.

5. Select the menu Create/Structure/Method, choose the PATH method and click OK, to create a path method to the same level with the groups.

6. Make the PATH method object the current level and create a path using the function Create/Control/B-Spline_Ctrlp. Close the path with <BACKSPACE> and end it with <RMB>.

Play the animation and your mesh will follow the path looking very elastic.