Nodes

Nodes

Nodes are the core of BeamNG physics. Everything revolves around these mass points. A node itself is a dimensionless (infinitely small) mass point in 3D space. Each node is a list of four values, corresponding to the header at the top of the nodes section. Nodes can have any string for their name, as long as the names do not conflict. A good naming scheme is some memorable/relevant letter, followed by a number, followed by a letter signifying which side of the vehicle it's on. For example, the 1st rightmost frame node would be called "f1rr" while the 3rd left frame node would be called "f3l". A node sitting in the middle (posX = 0) would have no letter suffix.

This is an example of a nodes section. Nodes also have many properties which can be set by placing dictionary lines above the nodes which are desired to be affected. Node weights are in kilograms, and coordinates are in meters. The "group" modifier is for assigning flexbodies. Node material only affects sound and particle properties, not physics.

Arguments

Name	Type	Optional	Default Value	Description
id			n/a	defines the node name
posX			n/a	The X (left/right) position in 3D space
posY			n/a	The Y (forward/back) position in 3D space
posZ			n/a	The Z (up/down) position in 3D space
nodeWeight			options.nodeWeight	The weight of the node in kg
collision			true	If the node can collide with the world
selfCollision			false	If the node can collide with the vehicle
group			n/a	Groups a select set of nodes into a group
frictionCoef			1.0	Friction of the node
nodeMaterial			options.nodeMaterial	Material of the node, rubber, metal, etc.
fixed			false	If the node is fixed (Can't move at all)
surfaceCoef	32px		0.1	Makes a node have more or less drag area in ground models with depth
volumeCoef	32px		0.1	Makes a node more or less buoyant in ground models with depth
pairedNode	32px		null	This can be used to i.e. link double tires together

Generated Options

• cid
• creator
• name
• type
• pairedNode

Simple Example

	 "nodes" :[
		 ["id", "posX", "posY", "posZ"],
		 ["n1rr", -0.90, -0.93, 0.23],
		 
	],

Advanced Example

	 "nodes" :[
		 ["id", "posX", "posY", "posZ"],
		 {"group":"body"},
		 {"selfCollision":false}
		 {"collision" :true}
		 {"nodeMaterial":"|NM_METAL"},
		 {"frictionCoef":0.7},
		 {"nodeWeight":12.5},
		 //a comment
		 ["n1rr", -0.90, -0.93, 0.23],
		 ["n1r", -0.33, -0.95, 0.23],
		 ["n1l", 0.33, -0.95, 0.23],
		 ["n1ll", 0.90, -0.93, 0.23],
		 {"group":""},
		 
	],

Nodes can also be assigned to multiple groups on an individual basis, as per the following example:

	["f6ll", 0.76, -0.72, 0.83{"group":["coupe_engine_bay","coupe_windshield"]}],

Vehicle Creation
Get started: Introduction to Vehicle Creation
JBeam Overview Introduction • Reference • Construction Guide Physics Nodes (refNodes) • Beams (Anisotropic • Bounded • Support • Pressured • L-Beam) • Coltris (Quads • Pressure Simulation) Dynamics DeformGroups • Engine Thermals • Hydros • Powertrain • PressureWheels • Slidenodes • Slots • Sounds • Superchargers • Turbochargers Visuals Flexbodies • Fires • GlowMap • Props (License Plates • Spotlights) • Skins Extras Blender Exporter plugin • Modeling and Texturing Guide • Vehicle Materials • Vehicle Specific Bindings Upkeep JBeam changelog • 0.8 Mod Conversion Guide • 0.8 Add-on Mod Conversion Guide • 0.8 Configuration Conversion Guide • 0.11 Mod Conversion Guide Deprecated HubWheels
See also: JBeam Examples • JBeam Physics Theory