The Fracture FX team posts a look at using the volume filter and a few other modifiers to localize an impact explosion while still keeping it completely controllable, or art-driectable, which is one of the key benefits of using Fracture FX for visual effect simulations.
quick tip for creating localized, ultra-controllable impact explosions in less than 5 minutes, with a volume filter and a few modifiers
Fracture FX is a procedural and event driven demolition solution for Autodesk Maya and supports all platforms of Maya versions 2009 to 2012, Linux, Mac, and Windows on 32 and 64 bit. Check out FractureFX for Maya for more information. Fracture FX also has a Trial version allowing you to try out destroying things in Maya.