Neon Waves: A Model for Computer Generated Simulation of Bioluminescent Ocean Waves

Abstract

Under very specific conditions, certain types of marine bacteria have the ability to emit a blue-green glow that is visible to the human eye. This glowing phenomenon is called bioluminescence and it is a striking and rare occurrence in nature. In this thesis I propose a model for recreating this phenomenon as it occurs in ocean waves using the effects software, Houdini. The bacteria in the water are stimulated by the wave forces, which results in a luciferase reaction that produces light. This effect can be accurately reproduced using a FLIP fluid simulation and treating a portion of the FLIP particles as bacteria. The forces on the particles can be directly translated to emission in Houdini, producing an effect that is visually convincing and rooted in the real natural phenomenon.