3DS Max Water Question

Zeemis

I'm currently stumped with adding dynamic water that sloshes around in a jar while you move. What I want to do (and from what I can tell from what Valve did in L4D2 and TF2) is duplicate the inside of the jar (Click the links to the left for two examples) and have the top of the surface of the duplicate utilize a very low normal and reflection map to simulate water. I don't want the water to look rigid and bumpy, but instead I'd like to very lightly simulate ripples. I'll then add jiggle bones to it and have it so it moves based on how the player moves the jar.
I've been doing a lot of research on jiggle bones and how water works but it's a little esoteric.
When I submit this model to Valve for TF2, I'll have to set up a DuDv map for them to simulate the waters refraction.

Zeemis

Can I get one reply please?

Eric Chadwick

So what's the question then? Sounds like you have a plan in mind. I don't know much about their attachment system, but I bet this is asking too much of it. Extra bones usually have a performance cost, and multiple materials per mesh usually has a cost too.

Zeemis

It's just two bones I imagine. They would attach to the water so that the water moves with the player, much like the Bile Jar in L4D2. Check the links in my original post for what I mean if you haven't played L4D2. I just want the liquid inside my model to slosh around while the player moves.

Eric Chadwick

So I guess you're asking if it's possible? If no one answers (and even if they do!) do some tests and see what happens. That's the best way to learn, hands down. Do you have a Source editor to play with?