This video demonstrates a scripting trick to use Autodesk Backburner to execute fluid simulations on networked server machines using 3ds Max 2019. This is a temporary solution that will get the job done; we are working on a smoother workflow.
Basic things to remember:
1) All machines participating in the simulation work must be able to use the same network drive to store and access the .bif file results. I use a mapped drive "S:" for this on each machine.
2) The Cache Output File Pattern for the simulations should not use the entry, since this can change when run on networked servers. Use a descriptive, fixed name instead.
3) Set the rendering to output a Single frame, no file save
4) Set the Pre-Render script in the Render Setup|Common|Scripts rollup to use the latest network simulation script found at max.klanky.com/scripts.htm
5) When submitting the job to Network Rendering, DO NOT check "Use All Servers". Simulations can only be run on a single machine, so choose "Use Selected" and only select one Server machine from the list.
The provided script will solve all simulations present in your scene. If a Liquid has more than one solver, the solver chosen in the "Solver To Render" tab in the Simulation View will be run.
Backburner will currently not update to show the simulation progress, but if you scrub the timeline with your fluid solver selected, you should see the fluid displayed as the simulation progresses. If you view the monitor of the slave machine during the simulation process, the Simulation View window will be displayed. You will be able to expand the view of the Liquid object in the Simulation View and see the progress bar display for the solver being run.
Backburner will show the job as Complete when all simulations have been solved.
There is a topic for this functionality on the AREA Forum at forums.autodesk.com/t5/3ds-max-forum/bifrost-fluids-solve-on-server/m-p/8090530#M160668
Happy simulating!
(Thanks to Borislav "Bobo" Petrov for his assistance!)
