why particlefluidsurface instead of VDB from Particle Fluid?

[art3mis]

Hi

I notice that by default when using the shelf tools, Houdini creates a native particlefluidsurface node inside flattank_fluid.  However as I learn about VDB I really don't understand why VDB from Particle Fluid isn't used by default?

Isn't it in every way superior(creates smaller files, quicker, less prone to causing your scene to crash, less RAM usage)?

 

Also, in your vdbfromparticlefluid how do you determine your Particle Separation and Voxel Scale? Should the Separation match your original particle sepration or?

Edited October 18, 2016 by eco_bach

[Solitude]

If you're in houdini 15.5 unlock the particlefluidsurface node and go inside. You'll see that it's actually using vdbfromparticlefluid and vdbfromparticles as well as many other vdb nodes. 

[art3mis]

ok thanks, will have a look! Any reason then not to simply substitute a VDB From Particle node?

Edited October 18, 2016 by eco_bach

[Yon]

42 minutes ago, Solitude said:

If you're in houdini 15.5 unlock the particlefluidsurface node and go inside. You'll see that it's actually using vdbfromparticlefluid and vdbfromparticles as well as many other vdb nodes. 

Why does everyone make a new VDB setup(reshape/smooth/reshape, ect..) then?..

1 hour ago, eco_bach said:

 

Also, in your vdbfromparticlefluid how do you determine your Particle Separation and Voxel Scale? Should the Separation match your original particle sepration or?

Im a FLIP beginner but I've read use the same separation as your tank, yea.

[Solitude]

Just out of habit and preference I suppose. The latest one has a lot of nice filtering and masking options. Some people like to just create it themselves or need something specific. It's pretty good now though.

If you use the shelf setup you'll see that it uses particle separation for voxel size (ch reference to the flip object)