Problem with animated mesh & flow lattice on motion path

# 1 01-06-2012 , 07:12 PM

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Problem with animated mesh & flow lattice on motion path

Hello,

I created this arrow and attached it (by the tip) to a motion path, then added a flow path object. When it passes through the beginning of the lattice, it deforms incorrectly. Anyone know why? I suspect that it’s because the front axis of the arrow isn’t parallel to the curve tangent, but I don’t know how to set it exactly parallel. If that’s not the problem, or if someone knows how to align the arrow to the curve tangent correctly, I’d greatly appreciate it!

I also notice that the other end of the arrow deforms in the last few frames of the animation (heading towards the opposite end of the curve). I hope the two problems are related.

Thank you,
Chris

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# 2 01-06-2012 , 08:42 PM

The thin red line
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Could you give us a idea of what you are trying to do..............dave

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# 3 01-06-2012 , 09:03 PM

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Hi David,

I'm doing exactly this: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/t...-curve/ID-160/

Thanks,
Chris

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# 4 01-06-2012 , 09:14 PM

The thin red line
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Cool little tut, could you expand your view so I can see all the curve.............dave

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# 5 02-06-2012 , 10:49 PM

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this might help you
Maya 2011 Curved Text on Flow Path Tutorial by Stuart Christensen - YouTube

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# 6 06-06-2012 , 12:28 PM

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Thanks, all! I learned elsewhere that the "ffd" node in the Attribute Editor (for the lattice) has a dropdown menu called "Outside Lattice," with its options being "Inside," "All," and "Falloff." It was originally set to Inside, but switching it to All fixed my problem, and now the arrow bends with the curve properly without deforming erratically. user added image