Rob M

Hello Everyone,

My entry is a fully procedural and dynamic Trebuchet built within Houdini. The aim was to create an asset that could take artistic input and still simulate/animate correctly, also allowing for easy model variants. This asset could be used as part of a dynamic sequence or as an environment asset.

You can control arm length, rope length, aim rotation, arm starting position, counter weight mass and release angle or frame. These parameters affect both the model and the simulation. The arm position parameter controls the pivot angle of the arm but also animates the winch and pulley system. The counter weight fills up with rocks the higher the mass value. For the simulation it's all handled with RBDs. The projectile release is controlled with either a specific frame or the angle of the rope relative to the arm, this allows for animation precision and control.

I’ve also added a small test scene within houdini itself by ticking the “add target” you’ll spawn a small medieval tower for you to try and knockdown.

Hope you enjoy it and see if you can beat my score!

HDA Video Demo: [youtu.be]