Claudia Herbst-Tait
Professor
Pratt Institute
Department of Digital Arts


Refraction Examples

Refraction is a Raytracing effect. It is used to render distortions, such as when objects or patterns
are seen through transparent objects, such as class, or through water. The Index of Refraction value,
determines the degree of refraction being rendered. Here are some Index of Refraction Settings:
Air: 1; Water: 1.33; Glass: 1.44; Diamond: 2.42

The Refraction Index is a material attribute; in the examples below, I am using a blinn material.
Of course, raytracing has to be turned on in order to render refractions.




Figure 1: Refractions are not turned on




Figure 2: Refractive Index is set to 1.33




Figure 3: Refractive Index is set to 1.44


(See the file refrat1.ma located in my folder on DDA transfer.)