Simulate

In addition to constructing the geometry and configuring the simulation, you can execute the simulation directly within the Blender environment.

Prerequisites

To run simulations with penRed, the pyPenred package must be installed in Blender's Python environment. Note that this may differ from your system's default Python installation.

Finding Blender's Python Environment

You can identify Blender's Python executable by running the following code in Blender's Scripting workspace:

import sys
print(sys.executable)

Blender Python version

Automatic Installation

If pyPenred is not installed when initiating a simulation:

  1. The plugin will attempt to automatically download and install it
  2. If installation fails (e.g., due to OS permissions), you'll need to manually install it following the PenRed package documentation

Running a Simulation

With pyPenred properly installed:

  1. Locate the Simulate button in the Simulation Properties panel (within the World tab)

Simulation Button

  1. Before simulation begins:

    • An export window will appear for selecting the working directory
    • All geometry and configuration files will be exported to this location

  2. During simulation:

    • Progress is displayed via a progress bar in the 3D viewport
    • The button text changes to Cancel Simulation for interruption

Simulation Progress