Motors
Use the Motors tool to apply a motor to a hole, surface, or pin.
Motors drive parts in a rotational manner, and can be defined in terms of angle, speed, acceleration, or torque. Inputs can be based on time or another variable in the model (state dependent variable).

Click the
satellite icon that appears when you hover over the Motors tool to view a list of all motors in
your model.
Add/Edit Motors
A motor is defined by a shaft and a base. The first click positions the shaft, and the second positions the base.
- An option to hide all motors is available in the right-click context menu. In some models hiding all motors may improve performance of the animation.
- A pin can only be selected if it connects two parts or if it goes through a single part, in which case the motor will be attached between the part and the ground.
- A motor cannot be created at a pin that connects more than two parts.
- The arrow on the motor depicts the direction the shaft moves relative to the base part. If the arrow appears stationary during motion animation playback, then it must be the base part that is rotating.
- If you intend to rigidly lock an actuator or motor that is of type=Velocity, you should disable the controller. If you do not do so, then you will need to adjust the PID gains in order to prevent (or at least minimize) movement.
- Suppress/Unsuppress a motor to understand its effect on your model. On the motor, right-click and select Suppress. From the Model Browser or Table, right-click and select Unsuppress.
State Dependent Inputs
You can assign inputs to motors and actuators that are dependent on the state of motors, actuators, systems, and measures. Example input types include Torque vs. Speed, Force vs. Angle, and Force vs. Distance.
Example: Force Applied to Blade as a Function of Drive Gear Rotation Cycle of 3600
Microdialog Options
Use the options in the microdialog to edit the behavior and appearance of a motor.
Click the to view advanced
options.

Figure 1. Motors Microdialog
- Type
- Use the θ, ω, α, T drop-down menu on the microdialog to change the type of motor. Options are speed, angle, acceleration, and torque.
- Reverse Direction
- Use the +/- button to reverse the motor's direction of rotation.
- Set Speed/Angle/Acceleration/Torque
- Enter a magnitude in the text field for the rotation speed, angle, acceleration, or
torque. Think of this as a target speed or angle when using the default
controller.Note: If you enter zero for the magnitude, the motor will be locked and most of the options in the microdialog and Profile Editor will become uneditable.
- Lock the Motor
- Lock the motor to prevent it from rotating. This is useful for debugging.
- Time
- Make the motor profile dependent on time.
- Independent Variable
- Make the motor profile dependent on a selected variable.
- Select Independent Variable
- In the modeling window, select a measure, system, actuator, or motor to make it the independent variable.
- Profile Function
- Use the profile function to change how the shaft rotates as time elapses. Examples include step, single wave, or oscillating.
- Edit Profile Function
- Open the Profile Editor, which allows you to edit profile data and view it in an interactive chart.
- Use Controller
- A controller is used to achieve the target speed or angle. If you disable the controller it will use the target profile directly, which could result in excessive deformations or other warnings.
- Base Shape
- Use the Base Shape option to change the appearance of the motor. Use the Shaft Radius property in the Property Editor to adjust the overall size.
- Move Motor
- Click to open the Move tool, allowing you to reposition the motor.
- Assign Normal to Face
- Click to align the motor so it is perpendicular to the face to which it was applied.
Motor Properties
Refine the behavior and appearance of motors using the properties available in the Property Editor (F3).
- Restrain Centerline
- Use to restrain the axis of the motor so it does not move relative to the motor base (or the ground part if no second part is defined). Choices are Cylindrical or Revolute. By default, this property is enabled for a motor attached to holes, and disabled for motors attached to surfaces. Disabling this option may result in unexpected part movement, warnings, or errors.
- Base Scale
- Use to change the appearance of the motor shaft and base. The Base Scale property allows you to change the size of the motor; enter a value between 0.5 and 2.0.
- Shaft Radius
- Use to adjust the overall size of the shaft. This property is not available for motors applied to holes.
Motors Table
The Motors table lists all of the motors in your model and allows you to edit various attributes.
Location: Motors tool, satellite icon

Figure 2. Motors Table
To | Do this |
---|---|
Rename a motor | Select the cell in the table and then click again to make the field editable. |
Change the type | Select the cell in the table and then select a different option from the list. |
Sort a column | Click the column header. Click repeatedly to toggle between ascending and descending order. |
Add or remove columns | Right-click on a column header. |
Shortcuts
To | Do this |
---|---|
Deselect a feature | Hold down the Ctrl key and left-click a selected (red) hole or surface. |
Exit the tool | Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. |