Model files are composed of many different parts, or entities. MotionView allows you to change the display attributes of each entity in a graphic. Visual properties such as shading, color, and
mesh lines can be assigned using the Graphic Entity Attributes panel.
The System/Assembly panel allows you to add new systems and assemblies to your model, modify attachments, and set
initial conditions and options for systems and assemblies.
The Command Sets panel allows you to create command sets for the solver-command file. The command sets for a model are
order dependent, since they define the contents of the solver command file.
Use the Deformable Surfaces tool to create and edit deformable surfaces. These entities can change shape during the simulation
and can be used with advanced joints and contacts.
An AtPoint joint is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. This joint is identical to the ball
joint. AtPoint joints provide three-axis rotation function.
A ball joint (also known as a spherical joint; socket joint) is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms.
Ball joints provide three-axis rotation function used in many places, such as steering racks to knuckles via tie-rods
and knuckle-to-control arm joints.
A constant velocity joint is a two degree-of-freedom constraint. It constrains the rotation of a body (Body 1) about
a specified axis to be equal to the rotation of the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. The axis of rotation
is the Z axes of the markers defined on the connecting user-defined bodies. Constant velocity joints are widely used
in drive shafts of vehicles with independent suspension.
A cylindrical joint is a two degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Cylindrical joints provide one translation
and one rotation function. They are commonly used in many places, such as shock absorber tubes and rods and hydraulic
cylinder/rod pairs.
A fixed joint is a zero degree-of-freedom constraint. It applies a rigid connection between the connecting bodies,
meaning bodies connected by a fixed joint are forced to move together. Fixed joints can be used to simulate connections
where relative displacements are idealized to zero, such as bolted connections, welded connections, and bodies that
are fixed in motion and orientation with respect to another body.
An inline joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the origin of
a reference marker on one body (Body 2) translates along the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body
1) connected by the joint. Three rotations are free along with one translation along the Z marker defining the joint
orientation. Joint primitives like inline joints may not have a physical existence. They can be used to impose unique
constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.
An inplane joint is a five degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. It constrains one body (Body 1) to remain in a
plane (XY plane) defined on the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. Three rotations are free along with two
translations. The only degree of freedom being arrested is the 'away' motion of Body 1 from Body 2. Joint primitives
like inplane joints may not have a physical existence. These joints can be used in applications like imposing
geometric constraints.
An orientation joint is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair. The joint constrains the three rotational degrees
of freedom while all three translations are free. Effectively, the orientations of the two bodies connected by the
joint remain the same.
A parallel axes joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the Z
axis of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) remains parallel to the Z axis of a reference marker on the other
body (Body 1) connected by the joint. All three of the translations are free along with one rotation about the Z axis
of the marker defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like parallel axes joints may not have a physical existence.
Parallel axes joints can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.
A perpendicular axes joint is a five degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the
Z axis of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) remains perpendicular to the Z axis of a reference marker on the
other body (Body 1) connected by the joint. All three translations are free along with two rotations about the Z
axis of markers on both of the bodies defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like perpendicular axes joints
may not have a physical existence. These types of joints can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular
joint would not be possible.
A planar joint is a three degree-of-freedom constraint. It constrains a plane on one body (Body 1) to remain in a
plane defined on the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. The planes are defined by the X and Y axes of the
markers defining the joint. Body 1 can rotate about Z axis and translate along the X and Y axes of the marker which
is used to define the constraint.
A revolute joint (also known as a pin joint or a hinge joint) is a one degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms.
Revolute joints provide single-axis rotation function in places such as door hinges and folding mechanisms.
A screw joint is a five degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Screw joints imposes a relation between
the rotation of one body (Body 1) about an axis to the translation of the other body (Body 2) along an axis. The pitch
of the joint completes this relation. One full rotation of Body 1 translates Body 2 by a distance equal to the pitch.
Screw joints are commonly used in applications such as bolt and nut constraints and rack and pinion steering.
A translational joint is a one degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Translational joints provide single-axis
rotation function in places such as splined shafts and slider mechanisms.
A universal joint is a two degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. It is functionally identical to, and
also referred to as a Hooke joint. The only difference between these two joints is the way that the joint is defined.
Universal joints provide two rotational functions in applications such as propeller shafts, drive shafts, and steering
columns.
The Trans Stiffness and Rot Stiffness tabs allow you to define the stiffness properties of a compliant joint or a
bushing. Stiffness can be linear or non-linear.
Use the Advanced Joints tool to create and edit a set of special constraints called higher pair joints. Typically, these are constraints
that involve a curve or surface on at least one of the two bodies.
Use the Fields tool to create a compliant connection between two bodies where stiffness or damping in one direction can be a function
of displacement in another direction
Use the Variables tool to create solver variables that can be used to create an algebraic expression of state variables, as well as
other solver variables. This can then be referenced in function expressions throughout the solver input file.
Use the Arrays tool to create solver arrays and set solver array data. Solver array types include X array, Y array, U array, IC
array, Plant Input array, and Plant Output array.
Use the Strings tool to create a solver string and set solver string data. A solver string provides a string that can be accessed
within the model, for example, to pass into a user subroutine.
Use the Diff Equations tool to set solver differential equations. These equations can be used to add additional states to the mechanical
system being modeled.
AtPoint
An AtPoint joint is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. This joint is identical to the ball joint. AtPoint joints provide three-axis rotation function.
Ball
A ball joint (also known as a spherical joint; socket joint) is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Ball joints provide three-axis rotation function used in many places, such as steering racks to knuckles via tie-rods and knuckle-to-control arm joints.
Constant Velocity
A constant velocity joint is a two degree-of-freedom constraint. It constrains the rotation of a body (Body 1) about a specified axis to be equal to the rotation of the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. The axis of rotation is the Z axes of the markers defined on the connecting user-defined bodies. Constant velocity joints are widely used in drive shafts of vehicles with independent suspension.
Cylindrical
A cylindrical joint is a two degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Cylindrical joints provide one translation and one rotation function. They are commonly used in many places, such as shock absorber tubes and rods and hydraulic cylinder/rod pairs.
Fixed
A fixed joint is a zero degree-of-freedom constraint. It applies a rigid connection between the connecting bodies, meaning bodies connected by a fixed joint are forced to move together. Fixed joints can be used to simulate connections where relative displacements are idealized to zero, such as bolted connections, welded connections, and bodies that are fixed in motion and orientation with respect to another body.
Inline
An inline joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the origin of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) translates along the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body 1) connected by the joint. Three rotations are free along with one translation along the Z marker defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like inline joints may not have a physical existence. They can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.
Inplane
An inplane joint is a five degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. It constrains one body (Body 1) to remain in a plane (XY plane) defined on the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. Three rotations are free along with two translations. The only degree of freedom being arrested is the 'away' motion of Body 1 from Body 2. Joint primitives like inplane joints may not have a physical existence. These joints can be used in applications like imposing geometric constraints.
Orientation
An orientation joint is a three degree-of-freedom kinematic pair. The joint constrains the three rotational degrees of freedom while all three translations are free. Effectively, the orientations of the two bodies connected by the joint remain the same.
Parallel Axes
A parallel axes joint is a four degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the Z axis of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) remains parallel to the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body 1) connected by the joint. All three of the translations are free along with one rotation about the Z axis of the marker defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like parallel axes joints may not have a physical existence. Parallel axes joints can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.
Perpendicular Axes
A perpendicular axes joint is a five degree-of-freedom primitive constraint. The constraint is imposed such that the Z axis of a reference marker on one body (Body 2) remains perpendicular to the Z axis of a reference marker on the other body (Body 1) connected by the joint. All three translations are free along with two rotations about the Z axis of markers on both of the bodies defining the joint orientation. Joint primitives like perpendicular axes joints may not have a physical existence. These types of joints can be used to impose unique constraints where using a regular joint would not be possible.
Planar
A planar joint is a three degree-of-freedom constraint. It constrains a plane on one body (Body 1) to remain in a plane defined on the other body (Body 2) connected by the joint. The planes are defined by the X and Y axes of the markers defining the joint. Body 1 can rotate about Z axis and translate along the X and Y axes of the marker which is used to define the constraint.
Revolute
A revolute joint (also known as a pin joint or a hinge joint) is a one degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Revolute joints provide single-axis rotation function in places such as door hinges and folding mechanisms.
Screw
A screw joint is a five degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Screw joints imposes a relation between the rotation of one body (Body 1) about an axis to the translation of the other body (Body 2) along an axis. The pitch of the joint completes this relation. One full rotation of Body 1 translates Body 2 by a distance equal to the pitch. Screw joints are commonly used in applications such as bolt and nut constraints and rack and pinion steering.
Translational
A translational joint is a one degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. Translational joints provide single-axis rotation function in places such as splined shafts and slider mechanisms.
Universal
A universal joint is a two degree-of-freedom kinematic pair used in mechanisms. It is functionally identical to, and also referred to as a Hooke joint. The only difference between these two joints is the way that the joint is defined. Universal joints provide two rotational functions in applications such as propeller shafts, drive shafts, and steering columns.