Nvidia Announces PhysX 5.0 with Support for FEM

Nvidia has announced version 5.0 of the PhysX SDk. Among other things, the update adds support for Finite Element Models, a standard used for simulating deformations. AMD uses the same technique in its new FemFX standard.

FEM can be used to realistically simulate deformations of objects. For example, the technique can be used to calculate the structural strength of rubber. As an example, Nvidia uses an inflatable flamingo swimming ring in a video, which is provided with realistic movements with the updated SDK. Nvidia provides few details about the use of FEM.

AMD has also recently introduced its own physics SDK in the form of FemFX. This SDK also uses FEM, and uses multi-core CPUs to simulate distortions. AMD goes into more detail about FEM here. AMD shows its sdk in some videos with bending metal and smashed doors. Melting effects can also be simulated. The company also provides some usage scenarios. For example, developers can use the more realistic physics for puzzle elements in games. Plugins for FemFX are already available, including for the Unreal Engine. Developers can therefore immediately use this new SDK. Both FemFX and PhysX are open source.

PhysX 5.0 also introduces some new fluid simulation features, including the option to use discrete particle simulations to simulate the flow of water. In addition, arbitrary meshes can be used to simulate objects such as ropes or cloths. The update will be released to developers in early 2020, and will then likely be used in upcoming games.

One of FemFX’s usage examples