We will continue with our 3D Studio MAX Tutorials and now we can use vase model from previous tutorial (Refraction glass material in 3D Studio MAX) and will continue with animation of exploding the vase on pieces.

First you have to add PArray particle system into the scene. PArray particle system is 3D Studio MAX helper object for making some nature events like explode, smoke, breaking, etc. You can find this particle system in Create tab, Geometry, Particle Systems drop-down.

Next press Pick Object button and click on your vase model and select Object Fragments radio button. Next go go Display tab and click on Hide Selected to hide the original vase model. Next click back on PArray particle system and set some properties like fragments count, speed, randomization, rotation, etc. After each set move timebar bottom of the scene to preview the effect of breaking glass.

For giving more realism in scene we have to add some nature forces. One of this forces is Gravity. Gravity can be found in Create tab, Space Warps, Forces dropdown. Place the gravity into scene and orient correct from top to bottom. Other important thing for correct physic motion in the scene is Deflector. Our Deflector will be flat surface bellow vase where detached pieces will jump again from this surface and go outside, jump again, etc. until they stop to move. Deflector can be found in Create tab, Space Warps, Deflectors dropdown.

Now you have to link this two nature forces with PArray particular system to call him when he acting on the scene. To do this click on Bind to Space Warp button at toolbar.

Now click and hold on Gravity and drag the dashed line to PArray particular system object to point them, then release the mouse button. Also do this for Deflector and again for PArray particular system like shown on the picture below.

After this you can move timebar bottom of the scene to preview the effect Gravity and Deflector. Now you can render scene to see the result.

Related Tutorials:
Vase model in 3D Studio MAX
Melt crystal vase in 3D Studio MAX
Refraction glass material in 3D Studio MAX