Modeling a DNA double-helix with subdivision surface / subpatch modeling in Lightwave 3d -
In this video tutorial, we cover the creation of a DNA double-helix strand by using the strength of the lathe tool and the power of some math and the clone operation. The final model is a clean model that is subpatch ready. The same technique can be applied to a high-res poly model as well if needed. In the video the formula for the number of clones is: (number of revolutions*number of bars per revolution). The formula for the Y offset is: (height of the helix/number of revolutions/clones per revolution). The formula for the heading rotation is: (360/number of clones per revolution). The number of clones per revolution is an arbitrary number you pick depending on how close you want them together. I chose 10 in this video.

Application: Lightwave 9.3 / File size: 18.8MB / Length: 12:17 / Return to the video directory / Get Quicktime