Displacement map to 3d deformed solid question

 From:  Michael (ORION20036)
6771.1 
This is just a general question to the 3d modellers on the forum.

Have you seen or heard of a 3d displacement map being applied to a solid object, and actually deforming the real solid?. The flow command must use a 3d transform matrix when it shapes one solid around the contours or surface of another, but how about a displacement map deforming a solid in the same way, leaving a deformed solid.

If anyone has any links or information on this it would be appreciated.

Thank You!.