Dynamics and Particle Effects is a two part article on creating particle systems on Maya. Smoke and rain are two of the effects that are taught in this tutorial by Audri Phillips from Intel.
From their very inception, 3D programs have been used to imitate natural phenomena, creating realistic, stylized, or artistic effects. A greater range of effects is now possible than in the past, before the advent of computer technology. The dynamics/particle effects component of 3D software combined with compositing programs-many of which also have particle capabilities-have primarily been used to create these effects, which have become a mainstay in film, commercial, and game production.