Real-time 3D fire simulation using a spring-mass model

We present a method for real-time simulation of 3D fire inspired by an old mechanical trick known as the "silk torch". Motivated by the proven illusive effect of silk torch, we model the kinematics of flames by a mass-spring system and its turbulent visual dynamics by texture sequencing with variable speeds and transparencies that depend on the speed of the vaporized fuel. The approach allows for incorporating external forces such as the gravity, and the wind force for added realism. Also, a specific characteristic of our method is that any object inserted in aflame can be modeled simply as an external force in the mass-spring system, making real-time interactions with fire a simple addition to the overall system. While the approach maintains an extremely low computational cost, these flexibilities increase the realism of our 3D fire by allowing for real-time control and the interactivity, which is a highly desirable requirement in applications such as augmented reality