Programming - Particles

We need to make two unique particles related to our racing game for our programming class. I am going to make steam and an energy beam aura. I studied some of UDK's smoke particles and I am going to use some of their concepts as a base for my steam particle. Steam is pretty simple. All I need is a good cloud and distortion map to make it look nice. I want something almost exactly like this, but with a little more distortion:

The energy aura will be a little more complex. It will look like the areas around the energy/ laser beams in these pictures:

It will be an aura so I want to make the particle light and wispy.  I think I will be able to change some parameters and reuse this particle around the big spotlights in my level to add some atmosphere.

There are a few 3D Motive tutorials I have watched a bit of that use some elements I would like to incorporate into the energy aura.

The small little bits floating around in this video are what I'm interested in:

In this video I'm interest in the vortex in the upper right corner. I think that particle, slowed wayyyy down is in the ballpark of what I'm looking for.

Programming - Crate

Same thing as the barrel: We need to come up with some concepts for a crate, incorporating the theme of our level. I didn't do as many sketches because I had a better idea of what I wanted with the crate.

And here are some models I found for some reference/ inspiration.

Programming - Barrel Model

First pass on my barrel for programming class. I think the polycount is a little high, but I think it should be fine because, hopefully, I will be using it around the level, scaled up, for more than just a simple barrel. Should have it textured and into UDK by tomorrow to start messing around with the energy goo stuff that goes in the center chamber and all of the rest of the lights, etc. Will update with progresssssssss

Front:

Side: 

3/4: 

Programming CH8 - Barrel Sketches

We are making an exploding barrel in programming. Here are some really quick concept sketches and some reference for the design of my barrel. The barrel has to fit with the theme of my level, which is near future, dirty sci fi. So I'm making a sci fi inspired barrel with a lot of panels, grooves, and tubes, holding a tank filled with some kind of goo/ liquid/ toxic space stuff.

Sketching this batch I was trying to think of how these barrels were actually put together instead of just arbitrarily placing nozzles, hoses, and panels, etc.  I kind of envision the goo/liquid center canister would be something that would be replaced often. Maybe these goo canisters are a source of energy and the exterior parts are what extracts or converts the energy.