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ADAMS/View
About Parts 5
Creating Parts 17
Modifying Parts 79
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Overview
Parts define the objects in your model that can have mass and
inertia properties and can move. All forces and constraints that
you define in your model act on these parts during a simulation.
This chapter explains how to create and modify parts. It
contains the following sections:
Overview of ADAMS/View Parts, 6
Types of Parts
ADAMS/View provides you with three different types of parts that you can create:
Rigid Bodies - Parts in your model that have mass and inertia properties.
They cannot deform.
Flexible Bodies - Parts that have mass and inertia properties and can bend
when forces are applied to them. Basic ADAMS/View provides you with
the ability to create discrete flexible links. For more functionality, you can
purchase ADAMS/Flex. For information on purchasing ADAMS/Flex, see
your MDI sales representative, and for information on using ADAMS/Flex,
refer to the guide, Using ADAMS/Flex.
Point Masses - Parts that have only mass. They have no extent and,
therefore, no inertia properties.
In addition, ADAMS/View provides a ground part that is already created for you.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 7
About Parts
POINT_1
POINT_1
The ways in which you can build parameterization into your model while creating
rigid bodies include the following:
Attach objects to points so that when you change the location of the
points, the body locations and orientations update accordingly.
As you create a point, ADAMS/View gives you the option to attach other
nearby objects to the point. The sections in this chapter that explain how to
create points also explain how to attach objects to them.
Define design variables to represent values of your rigid body geometry,
such as the length or width of a link. You can create design variables for
any values you specify for a rigid body. Design variables are needed when
you run tests on your model, such as design studies. For more information
on design variables, see Using Design Variables on page 27 of the guide,
Refining Model Designs in ADAMS/View.
Create expressions that calculate the values of your rigid bodies, such as
the length or width of a box. You can specify expressions for any values
you specify for a rigid body geometry. For more information on creating
expressions, see the guide, Using the ADAMS/View Function Builder.
You can also parameterize your model after you build it. For more information on
parameterization, see Automating Design Changes Using Parameterization on
page 13 of the guide, Refining Model Designs in ADAMS/View.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 13
About Parts
Settings
container
As you create geometry, ADAMS/View provides settings that you can control when
drawing the geometry. It provides the settings in a container at the bottom of the
palette or Main toolbox. The settings change depending on the type of geometry that
you are creating. For example, Figure 2 shows the length, width, and depth values
associated with creating link geometry.
You can use the settings to control how you want ADAMS/View to draw the
geometry. For example, when you create a link, ADAMS/View lets you specify its
width, length, and height before drawing. Then, as you create the link, these
dimensions are set regardless of how you move the mouse. You can also define design
variables or expressions for these setting values.
Overview
In this chapter, youll learn how to create the different types of
parts. It contains the sections:
Creating Construction Geometry, 18
Merging Geometry, 62
Creating Splines, 28
Defining Points
Points define locations in three-dimensional space upon which you can build your
model. They allow you to build parameterization between objects, as well as position
objects. For example, you can attach a link to points so that each time you move the
points, the links geometry changes accordingly (For an example, see Figure 1). You
can also use points to define the location where modeling objects connect, such as the
point where a joint connects two parts. Points do not define an orientation, only a
location.
As you create a point, you define whether ADAMS/View should add it to ground or
to another part. In addition, you specify whether other parts near the same location
should be attached (parameterized) to the point. If you attach other bodies to the point,
then the location of those bodies is tied to the location of that point. As you change
the location of the point, the location of all attached bodies change accordingly.
Note: You should not attach a parts center of mass marker to a point, however. If
you attach a center of mass marker, ADAMS/View removes the
parameterization whenever it recomputes the center of a part, unless you
defined mass properties for the part.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 19
Creating Parts
For more information on attaching points, see Building Parameterization into Your
Model as You Create Parts on page 11. For more information on parameterizing your
model, see the guide, Refining Model Designs in ADAMS/View.
ADAMS/View assigns the point a default name. The default name is POINT followed
by a number representing the point (for example, POINT_1, POINT_2, and so on.).
After creating the point, you can modify its name and set its location using the Table
Editor. For more information on editing objects using the Table Editor, see Editing
Objects Using the Table Editor on page 401.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack, select the Point tool .
2 From the settings container, select Point Table.
20 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
To create a point:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Point tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
Whether you want the point added to ground or to another part in your
model.
Whether you want to attach nearby objects to the point. For information on
attaching objects, see Building Parameterization into Your Model as You
Create Parts on page 11.
3 If you selected to add the point to another part in your model, select the part.
4 Place the cursor where you want the point to be located and click the mouse
button.
Tips: If you want to place the point at the location of another object, right-click near
the object. ADAMS/View displays a list of objects near the cursor. Select the
object at whose location you want to place the point. ADAMS/View creates the
point at that location.
If you want to specify precise coordinates, right-click away from the object. A
dialog box for entering the location of the point appears. For information on
using the dialog box, see Entering Precise Location Coordinates on page 194
of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 21
Creating Parts
Marker Icon y
y
z x x
y y z
x
z x y z
x
z
You create markers by specifying their location and orientation. You can align the
orientation of the marker with the global coordinate system, the current view
coordinate system, or a coordinate system that you define. When you define a
coordinate system, you specify one or two of its axes and ADAMS/View calculates
the other axes accordingly.
ADAMS/View assigns the marker a default name. The default name is MARKER
followed by a number representing the marker (for example, MARKER_1,
MARKER_2, and so on).
Note: You can parameterize the locations and orientations of other objects to that of
markers. For example, you can align the location of a part to be the same as a
marker regardless of how the marker moves. Unlike points, whose
parameterization is automatic, you must set up relationship of markers to
other objects. For more information on establishing parameteric relationships,
see the guide, Refining Model Designs in ADAMS/View.
22 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
To create a marker:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Marker tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
Whether you want the marker added to ground or to another part in your
model.
How you want to orient the marker. From the Orientation option menu, select
an orientation method.
3 If you selected to add the marker to a part, select the part to which you want to
add the marker.
4 Place the cursor where you want the marker to be located and click.
5 If you selected to orient the marker to anything other than the global or view
coordinate system, select the directions along which you want to align the
markers axes. Do this for each axis that you selected to specify.
ADAMS/View draws the marker aligning its axes as specified.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 23
Creating Parts
Before drawing lines or polylines, you can specify the length of the line or lines to be
created so you can quickly create perfectly sized lines and polylines. When creating a
single line, you can also specify the angle of the line. The angle you specify is relative
to the x-axis of the global coordinate system or the working grid, if it is turned on.
When you create line geometry, you can select to create a new part consisting of the
line geometry or add the line geometry to an existing part. If you create a new part, it
has no mass since it is composed of only wire geometry. You can extrude the lines
into solid geometry that has mass. For more information, see Creating Complex
Geometry on page 49.
ADAMS/View places hotpoints at the endpoint of each line segment after you draw
the objects. The hotpoints let you reshape the lines. If you create a closed polyline,
ADAMS/View maintains it as a closed polyline regardless of how you move the
hotpoints. For more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using
Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
You can also use the line or polyline modify dialog box to more accurately place the
points that make up the line or polyline. You can also read in location points from a
file. For more information, see Using Dialog Boxes to Precisely Modify Geometry on
page 81, and Editing Locations Using the Location Table on page 102.
24 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Polyline tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Set the type of line to be drawn to One Line.
If desired, set the length and angle of the line.
3 Position the cursor where you want the line to begin and click.
4 Move the cursor in the direction you want to draw the line.
5 When the line is the desired length and orientation, click again to end the line.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Polyline tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Set the type of line to be drawn to Polyline.
If desired, set the length of the line segments.
Select whether you want a closed polyline (polygon) by selecting Closed.
3 Position the cursor where you want the polyline to begin and click.
4 To create the first line segment, drag the cursor and click to select its
endpoint.
5 To add line segments to the polyline, continue dragging the cursor and
clicking.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 25
Creating Parts
6 To stop drawing and create the open or closed polyline, right-click. If you
selected to create a closed polyline, ADAMS/View automatically draws a line
segment between the last and first points to close the polyline. Note that
clicking the right mouse button does not create another point.
Tip: While creating the polyline, you can remove the last line segment that you
created by clicking its endpoint. You can continue removing line segments in
the reverse order that you created them.
Ending
angle
90 75
60
Starting
Center location angle
Radius
15
180 0
360
26 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Before you create arc geometry, you can select to create a new part consisting of the
arc geometry or add the arc geometry to an existing part or ground. If you create a new
part, it has no mass since it is composed of only wire geometry. You can extrude a
circle into solid geometry that has mass. For more information, see Creating Complex
Geometry on page 49.
To draw an arc:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Arc tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground. By default, ADAMS/View
creates a new part.
If desired, set the radius of the arc.
Specify the starting and ending angles of the arc. The default is to create a
90-degree arc from a starting angle of 0 degrees.
3 Click where you want the center of the arc and then drag the mouse to define
the radius of the arc and the orientation of the x-axis. ADAMS/View displays
a line on the screen to indicate the x-axis. If you specified the radius of the arc
in the settings container, ADAMS/View maintains that radius regardless of
how you drag the mouse.
4 When the radius is the desired size, click.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 27
Creating Parts
To draw a circle:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Arc tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part or add the geometry to an
existing part. By default, ADAMS/View creates a new part.
If desired, set the radius of the circle.
Select Circle.
3 Click where you want the center of the circle and then drag the mouse to
define the radius of the circle. If you specified the radius of the circle in the
settings container, ADAMS/View maintains that radius regardless of how you
drag the mouse.
4 When the radius is the desired size, click.
28 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Creating Splines
A spline is a smooth curve that a set of location coordinates define. You create splines
by defining the locations of the coordinates that define the curve or by selecting an
existing geometric curve and specifying the number of points to be used to define the
spline. ADAMS/View produces a smooth curve through the points. You can also
close the spline or leave it open. A closed spline must be composed of at least eight
points; an open spline must be composed of at least four points. Examples of closed
and open splines are shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Examples of Splines
y
y
z x
z x
When you create spline geometry, you can select to create a new part consisting of the
spline geometry or add the spline geometry to an existing part or ground. If you create
a new part, it has no mass since it is composed of only wire geometry. You can extrude
a closed spline into solid geometry that has mass. For more information, see Creating
Complex Geometry on page 49.
ADAMS/View places hotpoints at locations on the spline as you draw it. The
hotpoints let you reshape the splines. For more information on modifying geometry
using hotpoints, see Modifying Rigid Body Geometry on page 80.
You can also modify the spline by editing the point locations directly or by changing
the curve and matrix data elements that ADAMS/View creates to support the spline.
In addition, you can change the number of segments that ADAMS/View creates
through the spline. For more information on modifying splines, see Using Dialog
Boxes to Precisely Modify Geometry on page 81.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Spline tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Select whether you want the spline to be closed or open.
3 Place the cursor where you want to begin drawing the spline and click.
4 Click the locations where you want the spline to pass through. You must
specify at least eight locations for a closed spline and four locations for an
open spline.
Tip: If you make a mistake, click the last location you defined. You can
continue removing locations by clicking on each location in the reverse
order that you defined them.
5 To stop drawing the spline, right-click.
30 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Spline tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Select whether you want the spline to be closed or open.
Select to create a spline by selecting a curve.
In the # Points text box, set how many points you want used to define the
curve or clear the selection of Spread Points and let ADAMS/View calculate
the number of points needed.
3 Select the curve.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 31
Creating Parts
Creating a Box, 32
Creating a Cylinder, 35
Creating a Sphere, 36
Creating a Frustum, 37
Creating a Torus, 38
Creating a Link, 40
Creating a Plate, 41
Creating an Extrusion, 43
Creating a Revolution, 47
32 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Creating a Box
A box is a three-dimensional solid block. You draw the boxs length and width in the
plane of the screen or the working grid, if it is turned on. ADAMS/View creates a solid
box with a depth that is twice that of the shortest dimension of the box
(d = 2 * min(l,h)). You can also specify the length, height, or depth of the box before
you draw it.
The box dimensions are in screen coordinates with the height up, length to the left,
and depth out of the screen or grid. Figure 7 below shows the dimensions of a box.
Figure 7. Example of a Box
Height
Depth
Length
One hotpoint appears after you draw the box. It lets you modify the length, height, and
depth of the box. For more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see
Using Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 33
Creating Parts
To create a box:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Box tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
If desired, set any of length, height, or depth dimensions of the box.
3 Place the cursor where you want a corner of the box and click and hold down
the left mouse button.
4 Drag the mouse to define the size of the box. If you specified any of the
length, height, or depth dimensions of the box in the settings container,
ADAMS/View maintains those dimensions regardless of how you drag the
mouse.
5 Release the mouse button when the box is the desired size.
34 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
When you create a plane, you can select to create a new part consisting of the plane
geometry or add the plane geometry to an existing part or ground. If you create a new
part, it has no mass since it is composed of only wire geometry.
One hotpoint appears after you draw the plane. It lets you modify the length and height
of the plane. For more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using
Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
To create a plane:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Plane tool .
2 In the settings container, specify whether you want to create a new part
composed of the geometry or add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
3 Place the cursor where you want a corner of the box and click and hold down
the left mouse button.
4 Drag the mouse to define the size of the box.
5 Release the mouse button when the box is the desired size.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 35
Creating Parts
Creating a Cylinder
A cylinder is a solid with a circular base. You draw the cylinders center line and
ADAMS/View creates the cylinder with a radius 25% of the length of the center line.
Before you draw a cylinder, you can also specify its length and radius. ADAMS/View
draws the center line of the cylinder in the plane of the screen or the working grid, if
you have it turned on.
Figure 9. Example of a Cylinder
Length
Center
point
Radius
Two hotpoints appear after you draw a cylinder. One lets you modify the length of the
cylinder and one lets you set its radius. For more information on modifying geometry
using hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
To create a cylinder:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Cylinder tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground. By default, ADAMS/View
creates a new part.
If desired, set the length or radius dimensions of the cylinder in the settings
container.
3 Click where you want to begin drawing the cylinder.
4 Drag the mouse to size the cylinder. If you specified any of the length and
radius dimensions of the cylinder in the settings container, ADAMS/View
maintains those dimensions regardless of how you drag the mouse.
5 When the cylinder is the desired size, click.
36 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Creating a Sphere
A sphere is a solid ellipsoid whose three radii are of equal length. You draw the sphere
by indicating its center point and the radius for the three radii. Before you draw the
sphere, you can also specify the radius value for the three radii. The following figure
shows an example of a sphere and its three radii.
Figure 10. Example of a Sphere
Center
Radii point
After you draw the sphere, three hotpoints appear on it that let you reshape the radii
of the sphere. For example, you can elongate the sphere into an ellipsoidal shape. For
more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using Dialog Boxes to
Precisely Modify Geometry on page 81.
To create a sphere:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Sphere tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground. By default, ADAMS/View
creates a new part.
If desired, set the radius of the sphere.
3 Click where you want the center of the sphere.
4 Drag the mouse to size the sphere. If you specified a radius dimension for the
sphere in the settings container, ADAMS/View maintains that dimension
regardless of how you drag the mouse.
5 When the sphere is the desired size, click.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 37
Creating Parts
Creating a Frustum
A frustum is a cone, the top of which has been cut off. You create a frustum by
drawing its length. ADAMS/View makes the bottom radius 12.5% of the length and
makes the top radius of the frustum 50% of the radius of the base radius. Before
drawing, you can also specify its length and the radii of its bottom and top.
Figure 11. Example of a Frustum
Length
Bottom
Radius
Top
Radius
Three hotpoints appear on a frustrum after you draw it. One controls the length of the
frustum, one controls its top radius, and the other controls the bottom radius. For more
information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to
Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
To create a frustum:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Frustum tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
If desired, set the length or radii of the frustum.
3 Click where you want to begin drawing the frustum.
4 Drag the mouse to size the frustum. If you specified the length or radii of the
frustum in the settings container, ADAMS/View maintains those dimensions
regardless of how you drag the mouse.
5 When the frustum is the desired size, click.
38 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Creating a Torus
A torus is a solid circular ring. You draw the ring from the center outward. By default,
ADAMS/View makes the radius of outer ring (minor radius) 25% of the inner ring
(major radius). You can also specify the minor and major radii before you draw.
Figure 12. Example of a Torus
Center point
Major radius
Minor radius
Two hotpoints appear on a torus after you draw it. One controls the centerline of the
torus circular shape and the other controls the radius of the circular cross section. For
more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to
Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 39
Creating Parts
To create a torus:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Torus tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground. By default, ADAMS/View
creates a new part.
If desired, set the inner and outer radii of the torus.
3 Place the cursor where you want the center of the torus and click.
4 Drag the mouse to define the radius of the torus. If you specified the radii of
the torus in the settings container, ADAMS/View maintains those dimensions
regardless of how you drag the mouse.
5 When the torus is the desired size, click.
40 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Creating a Link
You create a link by drawing a line indicating the links length. By default,
ADAMS/View creates the link with a width that is 10% of the indicated length and a
depth that is 5% of the length. The radius of the ends of the link is equal to half the
width. Before drawing, you can also define the length, width, and depth of the link.
Figure 13. Example of a Link
X X Depth
Width
Length
Two hotpoints appear after you draw the link: one hotpoint lets you modify the length
of the link and the other hotpoint lets you modify the depth, width, and height. For
more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to
Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
To create a link:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Link tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
If desired, set any of the length, width, or depth dimensions of the link.
3 Place the cursor where you want to begin drawing the link and click.
4 Drag the mouse until the link is the desired size and then release the mouse
button. If you specified the length, width, and depth of the link in the settings
container, ADAMS/View maintains those dimensions regardless of how you
drag the mouse.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 41
Creating Parts
Creating a Plate
A plate is an extruded polygon solid with rounded corners. You create a plate by
indicating the location of its corners. You must select at least three locations. The first
location you select acts as an anchor point defining the position and orientation of the
plate in space. ADAMS/View creates coordinate system markers at each location. The
marker at the anchor point is called the reference marker.
After you indicate the locations, ADAMS/View creates a polygon with the specified
number of sides and extrudes it. By default, ADAMS/View creates the plate with a
depth that is 1 and has corners with radii of 1 in current length units. Before drawing,
you can also specify the thickness and radius of the corners of the plate.
Figure 14. Example of a Plate
Profile Radius
Thickness
Length
After you draw a plate, a hotpoint appears at the reference marker. It lets you change
the depth of the plate. For more information on modifying geometry using hotpoints,
see Using Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
You can also use the Geometry Modify Plate dialog box to change the markers used
to define the plate, the thickness of the plate, and the radius of the corners of the plate.
For more information, see Modifying Rigid Body Geometry on page 80.
42 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Note: The reference marker of the plate determines the plate orientation and defines
the plane of the plate to its x and y axes. ADAMS/View defines the x and y
axes of the reference marker using the working grid, if it is turned on, or the
view screen. ADAMS/View defines the plate vertices as the component of
distance from the reference marker to the vertex marker as defined along the
reference markers y-axis. Therefore, if you choose a plate vertex marker that
is out-of-plane from the xy plane of the reference marker, the vertex marker
is not the actual plate vertex.
To create a plate:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Plate tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
If desired, set the thickness or radius of the corners of the plate.
3 Place the cursor where you want the first corner of the plate and click the
mouse button.
4 Click at each corner of the plate. You must specify at least three locations.
5 Continue selecting locations or right-click to close the plate.
Note: If the distance between any two adjacent points is less than two times the
radius of the corner, ADAMS/View cannot create the plate.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 43
Creating Parts
Creating an Extrusion
An extrusion is a three-dimensional object defined by its profile and depth. To create
an extrusion, you draw a polyline that defines the extrusions profile. ADAMS/View
extrudes the profile centered along the z-axis of the screen or working grid, if it is
turned on. You can also specify the direction along the z-axis that ADAMS/View
extrudes the profile.
Figure 15. Example of an Extrusion
Length
About Center - Extrude the profile half the depth in both the +z and -z
directions.
Backward - Extrude the profile along the -z-axis.
Figure 16 on page 44 shows the three different directions in which you can
extrude a profile.
Note: You can also select Along Path, which lets you use the Extrusion tool to
extrude wire geometry, such as a polyline. For more information, see
Creating Complex Geometry.
44 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
About Center
Backward
After you draw the extrusion, hotpoints appear at every vertex in the profile and at the
point directly opposite from where you began drawing the profile. Use the vertex
hotpoints to modify the profile of the extrusion and the opposite hotpoint to control
the depth of the extrusion. For more information on modifying geometry using
hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
You can also use the extrusion modify dialog box to more accurately place the points
that make up the profile. You can also read in location points from a file. For more
information, see Using Dialog Boxes to Precisely Modify Geometry on page 81, and
Editing Locations Using the Location Table on page 102.
Note: You can only select to extrude a profile whose extrusion would have the
following properties:
Same dimensions. For example, you cannot extrude a profile that would
have mixed dimensions. See Figure 17 on page 45 for an example of an
object with mixed dimensions.
Edge or face shared by only one face.
No intersecting lines.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 45
Creating Parts
Objects with these properties are called manifold. If the object extruded did
not have these properties, it would be non-manifold. Some examples of non-
manifold objects are shown in Figures 17 and 18. The figures show the dots of
the profile that would create the extrusion.
If the result of an extrusion is an object that is non-manifold, you receive the
following error message when you try to create the extrusion:
! ERROR: Creation of the feature failed
! ERROR: The body created is non manifold.
To create an extrusion:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Extrusion tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the geometry or
add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Specify whether or not you want to create a closed extrusion.
If desired, set the length of the extrusion.
Specify the direction you want the profile to be extruded from the current
working grid. See the beginning of this section on page 43 for an
explanation of the different options.
3 Place the cursor where you want to begin drawing the profile of the extrusion
and click.
4 Click at each vertex in the profile; then right-click to finish drawing the
profile.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 47
Creating Parts
Creating a Revolution
A revolution is solid geometry created by revolving a profile. You specify the profile
and the axis about which ADAMS/View revolves the profile. You cannot use existing
construction geometry as the profile. ADAMS/View revolves the profile around the
axis in a counterclockwise direction (right-hand rule).
Figure 19. Example of a Revolution
Profile Line
defining
axis
Direction
of revolution
You can create an open or closed revolution. If you create a closed revolution,
ADAMS/View closes the profile by drawing a line segment between the profiles first
and last points and creates a solid revolution from this profile. If you leave the
revolution open, ADAMS/View creates a skin that has no mass properties.
After you draw a revolution, hotpoints appear at the vertexes of the profile. They let
you resize and reshape the revolution. For more information on modifying geometry
using hotpoints, see Using Hotpoints to Graphically Modify Geometry on page 80.
You can also use the revolution modify dialog box to more accurately place the
vertexes of the profile and read in location points from a file. For more information,
see Using Dialog Boxes to Precisely Modify Geometry on page 81, and Editing
Locations Using the Location Table on page 102.
48 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
To create a revolution:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Revolution tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
Specify whether you want to create a new part or add the geometry to an
existing part or ground.
Specify whether or not you want to create a closed extrusion.
3 Click at two points that define the axis about which ADAMS/View revolves
the profile.
4 Click at the location of each vertex in the profile; then right-click to finish
drawing the profile.
Note: Be sure to draw the profile so that it does not intersect the line you
drew defining the axis of revolution.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 49
Creating Parts
Combining Geometry, 52
Note: If you want to use the chained geometry with a pin-in-slot or curve-to-curve
constraint, you must turn the geometry into a spline, as explained in Creating
Splines on page 28.
2 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Chain tool .
3 Click each piece of the wire geometry to be chained. The Dynamic Model
Navigator highlights those objects in your model that can be chained as you
move the cursor around the main window.
4 After selecting the geometry to be chained, right-click to create the chained
geometry.
50 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Profile to
be extruded
The geometry you extrude can be a new part or belong to another part, which you
specify when you extrude the geometry.
Refer also to the note on creating extrusions on page 44.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 51
Creating Parts
2 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Extrude tool .
3 In the settings container, specify the following. You can ignore all other
settings:
Specify whether you want to create a new part composed of the extruded
geometry or add the geometry to an existing part or ground.
Select Along Path.
4 Select the wire geometry to be extruded.
5 Select the wire geometry defining the path along which you want to extrude
the geometry.
52 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Combining Geometry
Once you have created individual parts of solid geometry, you can combine them into
one part to create complex, solid geometry, referred to as constructive, solid geometry
or CSG. ADAMS/View creates the solid geometry using Boolean operations, such as
union and intersection. The next sections explain how to combine geometry:
Creating One Part from the Union of Two Solids, 53
Splitting a Solid, 56
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 53
Creating Parts
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Union tool .
2 Select the solid geometry to be combined. As you move the cursor, the
Dynamic Model Navigator highlights those objects that can be combined. The
second part you select is combined into the first part.
54 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Intersect tool .
2 Select the solid geometry to be combined. As you move the cursor, the
Dynamic Model Navigator highlights those objects that can be combined. The
second part you select is combined into the first part.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 55
Creating Parts
Common volume
to be removed
Box to be
cut from
cylinder
If a part completely envelopes another part, you cannot cut that part from the
enveloped part because no geometry would result. For example, if a box completely
envelopes a sphere, you cannot cut the box from the sphere and leave a zero mass part.
56 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Box to be
cut from
sphere
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Cut tool .
2 Select the solid geometry to be cut. As you move the cursor, the Dynamic
Model Navigator highlights those objects that can be cut. The second part you
select is cut from the first part.
Splitting a Solid
After youve created a complex solid, often referred to as a CSG, using the Boolean
operations explained in the previous sections, you can split the complex solid back
into its primitive solids. ADAMS/View creates a part for each solid resulting from the
split operation.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Split tool .
2 Select the solid geometry to be split. The Dynamic Model Navigator
highlights those objects in your model that can be split.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 57
Creating Parts
Chamfered
edges and Filleted edges
corner and corner
When chamfering an edge or corner, you can set the width of the beveling. When
filleting an edge or corner, you can specify a start and an end radius for the fillet to
create a variable fillet. ADAMS/View begins creating the variable fillet using the start
radius and then slowly increases or decreases the size of the fillet until it reaches the
end radius. Using the ball analogy again, ADAMS/View starts rounding edges and
corners using one size ball and finishes using a different size.
58 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Figure 27 shows a variable fillet. The end radius is three times larger than the start
radius.
Figure 27. Variable Radius Fillet Edge
End
Start radius
radius
Note: You will get different results when you chamfer or fillet one edge at a time
than when you chamfer or fillet all edges at once. Also, you may not be able
to chamfer or fillet an edge if an adjoining edge has already been chamfered
or filleted. It depends on the complexity of the filleting or chamfering.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select either of the following
tools:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select either of the following
tools:
w + 2t
w w
h + 2t h
h h h - 2t
l - 2t w
Original box Box hollowed Box hollowed
dimensions from inside with material
added to outside
Key:
t = thickness
h = height
w = width
Note: You can hollow any object that has a face. You cannot hollow spheres,
revolutions, or wire construction geometry.
To hollow an object:
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Hollow tool .
2 In the settings container, do the following:
If desired, specify the thickness of the remaining shell after you hollow the
object.
If you want to add the shell to the outside of the object, clear the check box
Inside.
Merging Geometry
ADAMS/View lets you merge two non-intersecting rigid body geometry into one
without performing any Boolean operations on the geometry. The geometry can
contain any type of geometry, solid, wire, or complex. The geometry can also belong
to the same part. If the geometry belongs to the different parts, ADAMS/View merges
the parts into one.
Since ADAMS/View does not perform any Boolean operations on the merged
geometries, overlapping volumes produce double-density mass in the part and change
the results of the mass property calculations. Therefore, you should use this operation
only for non-intersecting rigid bodies that the Union tool cannot combine.
ADAMS/View merges the second geometry that you select into the first geometry
you select.
1 From the Geometric Modeling tool stack or palette, select the Merge tool .
2 Select the geometry to be merged. The Dynamic Model Navigator highlights
those objects in your model that can be merged as you move the cursor around
the modeling window. The second geometry that you select is combined into
the first.
ADAMS/View combines the selected geometry and deletes the second.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 63
Creating Parts
Flexible
attachment
Part A
Fixed attachment
Part B
Parts
Beams
For more information on beam force elements, see Adding a Massless Beam on
page 244. Also note the caution about the asymmetry of beams explained in that
section.
The following sections explain more about discrete flexible links and how you create
and modify them.
Types of Flexible Link Geometry, 64
Marker 1
yG
xG
Marker 2 10
Orientation yG I Marker
xG marker
As you can see from the figure, Markers 1 and 2 define the total length of the flexible
link and the x (longitudinal) direction of the associated beam forces. ADAMS/View
creates new markers on top of Markers 1 and 2, as well as at the centers-of-mass of
the geometry associated with the discrete flexible link. For the resulting beams, the
vector from Marker 1 to Marker 2 defines the x-axis while the vector from Marker 1
to the orientation marker defines the xz-plane. The global axes are not relevant to the
orientation of the beam forces unless you erroneously specify three co-linear markers.
66 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Table 1 shows how the number of beams that get created for your flexible link
depends on the number of segments and the types of endpoint attachments.
Table 1. Relationship Between Beams, Segments, and
Endpoint-Attachment Types
For links with axisymmetric cross-sections, such as solid and hollow circular sections,
the orientation of the cross section is not critical and so ADAMS/View does not
require the use of an orientation marker.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 67
Creating Parts
1 From the Build menu, point to Flexible Bodies, and then select Discrete Flexible Link.
The Discrete Flexible Link dialog box appears.
2 Define the overall properties of the flexible link as explained in Table 2.
Table 2. Overall Flexible Link Property Options
Name for parts, In the Name text box, enter a text string of alphanumeric
constraints, characters. ADAMS/View prepends the text string you
forces, and specify to the name of each object it creates. For
markers example, if you specify the string LINK, the first rigid
body is LINK_1, the first marker is LINK_MARKER_1,
and so on.
Number of Enter the number of rigid bodies that you want in the
segments link.
Damping ratio In the Damping Ratio text box, enter the ratio of viscous
damping to stiffness for the beam forces.
Color In the Color text box, enter the color to be used for the
geometry in the flexible link.
To browse for a color in the Database Navigator or create
a new color, right-click the Color text box, and then select
the appropriate command.
68 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
3 Define the length of the link and its flexibility at its ends as explained in
Table 3.
Ends of the link Enter the markers that define the endpoints of the link in
the Marker 1 and Marker 2 text boxes. Marker 1 defines the
start of the link and Marker 2 defines the end of the link.
Marker 1 and Marker 2 are also used to calculate the
orientation of the link. See Positioning Flexible Links on
page 65 for more information.
Flexibility at the Select how to define the ends of the link from the
ends of the link Attachment option menus. You can select the following
for each end of the link:
free - The end is unconnected.
4 Select and define the geometry of the link or specify the area and area
moments of inertia of the flexible link as explained in Table 4 and select OK.
Table 4. Flexible Link Cross-Section Geometry Options
1 From the Build menu, point to Point Mass, and then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a point mass
to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Create or Modify Point Mass dialog box appears. Both dialog boxes
contain the same options.
3 If you are creating a point mass, enter a name for the point mass.
4 Set the mass of the point mass in the dialog box and adjust its location as
desired. By default, ADAMS/View places the point mass in the center of the
main window with a mass of 1 in current units.
5 Select the Comments tool on the dialog box and enter any comments you
want associated with the point mass. For more information on entering
comments, see Adding Comments to Objects on page 183 of the guide,
Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
6 Select OK.
Building Models Using ADAMS/View 75
Creating Parts
Follower Trace
Cam
1 Set up your model so that it creates the desired motion after which you want
the spline to be fashioned.
2 Run a simulation of your model as explained in Performing an Interactive
Simulation on page 86 of the guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
3 Reset the simulation by selecting the Simulation Reset tool from either the
Simulation container on the Main toolbox or the Simulation palette.
Note: Be sure to reset your model. You cannot easily select objects when the
screen is in simulation mode.
4 From the Review menu, select Create Trace Spline.
5 Select a point, marker, circle, or cylinder with which to trace and then select
the part on which to trace.
You can trace on ground or any other part. For a point trace, select anywhere
on the point or part. For a circle or cylinder, however, be careful where you
select because where you select on the circle and the part determines the
resulting trace geometry. There are usually two possible traces, one on each
side of the circle or cylinder.
6 Replay the simulation to see the selected object follow the trace curve.
78 Building Models Using ADAMS/View
Creating Parts
Tips: The following are some tips on creating splines from traces:
Overview
Parts define the objects in your model that can have mass and
inertia properties and can move. All forces and constraints that
you define in your model act on these parts during a simulation.
This chapter explains how to create and modify parts. It
contains the following sections:
Modifying Rigid Body Geometry, 80
Lists geometry
in the part
Tip: You can also use the Info command to view the geometry that belongs to a
part. For more information, see Viewing Modeling Information on page 171 of
the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
1 Place the cursor over the part containing the geometry and hold down the right
mouse button.
2 Point to the name of the geometry that you want to modify and then select
Modify.
4 Add any comments about the geometry that you want to enter to help you
manage and identify the geometry. You can enter any alphanumeric
characters. The comments that you create appear in the information window
when you select to display information about the object, in the ADAMS/View
log file, and in a command or dataset file when you export your model to
these types of files.
To enter comments for extrusions, revolutions, lines, and polylines, select the
Comments tool at the bottom of the dialog box. The Comments dialog box
appears. For more information, see Adding Comments to Objects on page 183
of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
5 Enter the values for the geometry as explained in Tables 5, 6, and 7 and select
OK.
84 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
Point 2
Point 1
Axis
ADAMS/View applies the location coordinates in the coordinate
system you identify using the Location Relative To parameter.
Note that this does not completely dictate the orientation of the
coordinate system. ADAMS/View positions the coordinate
system with an arbitrary rotation about the axis. If you must
completely control the coordinate system orientation, select
Orientation or In Plane Orientation.
Axis Point 2
Point 1 Point 3
Plane
To define an axis and a plane, you need three points. You can
enter either two or three locations, however. If you enter three
locations, the axis points from the first location to the second and
the plane is parallel to the plane defined by the three locations. If
you enter only two locations, ADAMS/View uses the location
you specified in the Location text box as the first point and the
other two locations as the second and third points.
ADAMS/View applies the location coordinates in the coordinate
system in the Relative To text box.
By default, you direct the z-axis of the coordinate system marker
and locate the zx plane. You can use the DEFAULTS
ORIENT_AXIS_AND_PLANE AXIS_AND_PLANE_SETTING command to
change this convention. For example, selecting X_AXIS_XY_PLANE
directs the x-axis and orients the xy plane.
Location Relative To - The coordinate system in which you specify
the location and orientation coordinates. If you do not specify
this parameter, ADAMS/View uses the default coordinate
system.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 87
Modifying Parts
Lines/ Relative To - The coordinate system in which you specify the location
Polylines and orientation coordinates. If you do not specify a coordinate
system, ADAMS/View uses the default coordinate system.
From the option menu, select Location or Path Curve and then specify
either:
Locations to be used to define the polyline. By default, you
supply Cartesian (x, y, z) coordinates. ADAMS/View applies the
location coordinates in the coordinate system you identify using
the Relative To parameter.
To easily edit the locations, select the More button to display
the Location Table. For more information on using the Location
Table, see Editing Locations Using the Location Table on
page 102.
A geometry object whose path defines the polyline. You can
select arcs, circles, spline curves, polylines, and outlines.
ADAMS/View extracts the values of the vertices of the path
curve and uses them to create the polyline.
Close - Select either:
yes - Creates a closed polyline. If closed, the polyline can be
filled (shaded). The endpoints of the polyline do not need to be
coincident for you to close it; the two endpoints will be
connected with a line segment.
no - Creates a polyline that appears as a segmented curve.
ADAMS/View creates the polyline by connecting the locations
you specified in the Location text box together with straight line
segments in the order in which you specified them.
88 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Arcs and Center Marker - Marker at the center of the arc or circle. Orient the
circles center marker so that its z-axis is normal to the plane of the circle or
arc.
Angle Extent (arcs only) - Extended angle measured positive
(according to the right-hand rule) about the z-axis of the center
marker of an arc. The angle starts at the positive x-axis of the center
marker and extends the arc.
Figure 39. Angle Extent
Angle Extent
x
Radius or Ref Radius By Marker - Enter either the radius of the arc or
circle or enter a radius marker. If you specify a radius marker,
ADAMS/View calculates the radius of the arc or circle as the distance
from the center marker origin to the radius marker origin.
ADAMS/View stores the radius value, not the marker name. If you
later move the marker, the radius does not change.
Segment Count - Number of straight line segments ADAMS/View uses
to draw the circle or arc.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 89
Modifying Parts
End y End y
End y End y
x x x x
Chord Sector No Yes
90 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
Splines Closed - Whether or not the spline is closed (yes) or open (no).
Spline Reference Marker - Marker that defines the location and orientation of
(continued) the spline. The marker acts as a reference coordinate system for the
coordinate values used to define the reference curve points.
Reference Curve - Existing data element curve that is used to
mathematically define the spline. When you define the points that
make up the spline, ADAMS/View creates a curve fit through the
points.
Reference Matrix - A data element matrix that contains all the spline
point coordinates. For more information on data element matrixes,
see Using the General Method on page 347.
92 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
To modify: Specify:
Boxes Corner Marker - A marker used to define the anchor point for the box.
Diag Corner Coords - Location of the diagonal corner from the marker
measured in the coordinate system of the corner marker.
Figure 41. Box Modify Options
Corner
marker
Diagonal corner
coordinates
Planes Ref Marker Name - Reference marker used to locate and orient the
plane.
X Minimum, Y Minimum - The location of one corner of the plane in
coordinates relative to the reference marker. If all values are positive,
the values indicate the lower left corner of the plane. For example,
the values of X Minimum = 10 and Y Minimum = 20, place the
lower left corner at 10,20 in the reference markers coordinate
system.
X Maximum, Y Maximum - The location of the opposite corner of the
plane in coordinates relative to the reference marker. If all values are
positive, the values indicate the upper right corner of the plane.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 93
Modifying Parts
To modify: Specify:
Cylinders The options for modifying a cylinder as explained below. The options
are also shown in the Figure 42.
Figure 42. Cylinder Options
z
Length
Radius
y
x Center marker
Center Marker - Center marker that defines the center of base of the
cylinder.
Angle Extent - Extended angle measured positive (according to the
right-hand rule) about the z-axis of the center marker. The angle
starts at the positive x-axis of the center marker and extends the arc
of the cylinder.
Length - Length of the cylinder. ADAMS/View uses the value of
length to specify the z distance between the two circles. A positive
value specifies a cylinder along the positive z-axis of the center
marker.
94 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
To modify: Specify:
Cylinders Radius or Ref Radius By Marker - Radius of circles at top and bottom of
(continued) cylinder or a radius marker. If you enter a radius marker,
ADAMS/View calculates the radius of the cylinder as the distance
from the center marker z-axis to the radius marker. ADAMS/View
stores the radius value, not the marker name. If you later move this
marker, the radius does not change.
Side Count For Body - Number of flat sides ADAMS/View draws on the
side of the cylinder. The number of sides you specify affects the
calculations ADAMS/View uses to determine a parts mass and
inertia. See Modifying Mass and Inertia for Rigid Bodies on page 108.
Segment Count For Ends - Number of straight line segments
ADAMS/View uses to draw the circles at the ends of the cylinder.
Spheres Center Marker - Center marker that defines the center of the ellipsoid.
To modify: Specify:
Frustums The options for modifying a frustum as explained below. The options
are also shown in the Figure 43.
Figure 43. Frustum Options
Top
Radius
z
Length Bottom
Radius
y
= Angle of Extent
x
To modify: Specify:
Frustums Top Radius - Radius at the top of a frustum. The top is perpendicular
(continued) to the center marker z-axis.
Bottom Radius - Radius at the bottom of the frustum. The bottom is
perpendicular to the center marker z-axis, and the center of the
bottom is at the center marker origin.
Segment Count For Ends - Number of segments ADAMS/View uses to
draw the circles at the ends of the frustum.
To modify: Specify:
Links The options for modifying a link as explained below. The options are
also shown in the Figure 44.
Figure 44. Link Options
J marker
I marker
D ep h
th Widt
Width - Width of the link. The width of the link also controls the
radius of the semicircular ends (the radius is equal to one half of the
links width).
Depth - Depth of the link.
98 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
To modify: Specify:
Plates The following options for a plate. Refer to Figure 14 on page 41 for an
illustration of the width and radius options for a plate.
Marker Name - The markers used to define the vertices of the plate.
The first marker listed is the anchor point for the plate. It is the first
point that you specified when you created the plate.
Width - Thickness of the plate measured along the z-axis of the corner
marker.
Radius - Radius of the corners of the plate.
Extrusions Reference Marker - Marker used to locate and orient the extrusion.
To modify: Specify:
To modify: Specify:
To modify: Specify:
Hollows and Thickness - Depth of the remaining shell after you hollow the object.
Shells
The next sections explain more about using the Location Table:
Displaying the Location Table, 103
1 In the Set Selected text box, enter the text that you want to insert.
2 Select the cells in which you want to insert the text.
3 Select Set Selected.
Resizing Columns
You can change the size of columns displayed in the Location table. You can also
resize all columns equally.
To resize a column:
1 Point to the right border of the column heading that you want to resize. The
cursor changes to a double-sided arrow.
2 Drag the cursor until the column is the desired size.
3 Release the mouse button.
1 Select the row above which you want to insert a new row.
2 Select Insert.
1 Select the row below which you want to insert a new row.
2 Select Append.
To delete a row:
Resetting Values
If you have made changes to values in a table that you would like to clear out and reset
to the current values of the object, you can reset the table.
Note: You can also modify part properties using the Table Editor. For information
on using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects Using the Table Editor on
page 401.
Sets mass
properties
1 If you havent already done so, display the Modify Rigid Body dialog box as
explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 From the option menu, select how you want ADAMS/View to calculate mass
and inertia, enter the appropriate values, and select OK. Refer to Table 8 for
assistance.
From the
option menu,
select: And enter:
Geometry and In the Material Type text box, the type of material for the
Material Type part. ADAMS/View displays the materials composition
below the text box. ADAMS/View uses the density
associated with the material type and volume of the
geometry of the part to calculate the parts mass and
inertia.
To select a material type from the Database Navigator or
create a new material type, right-click the text box, and
then select the appropriate command. For more
information on material types, see Setting Up Materials
on page 118.
Geometry and In the Density text box, the density of the part.
Density ADAMS/View uses the parts density and the volume of
the geometry to calculate its mass and inertia.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 111
Modifying Parts
From the
option menu,
select: And enter:
User Input Mass - In the Mass text box, enter the mass of the part.
Moments of inertia - Enter the mass moments of
inertia. See About Entering Mass Moments of Inertia
on page 112 for more information.
Center-of-mass marker - In the Center of Mass Marker
text box, enter the marker that is to be used to define
the center-of-mass (CM) for the part.
Inertia marker - In the Inertia Reference Marker text
box, specify the marker that defines the axes for the
inertia properties. If you do not enter an inertia
marker, ADAMS/View uses the part CM marker for
inertia properties.
112 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Note: ADAMS/View defines Ixy, Ixz, and Iyz as positive integrals, as shown. Some
references define these terms as the negative of these integrals. You should
be sure to compute these values as shown above.
In the Rigid Body Modify dialog box, you can enter either just the principal mass
moments of inertia (Ixx, Iyy, Izz) or enter the cross products of inertia (Ixy, Ixz, and Iyz).
You will want to enter the mass products of inertia if the inertia marker or CM marker
Building Models in ADAMS/View 113
Modifying Parts
is not at the center of mass of the part and not aligned with the principal axes. To enter
cross products of inertia, clear the check box Off-Diagonal Terms. The Modify Rigid
Body dialog box displays text boxes for entering the cross products of inertia.
1 If the Display the Modify Rigid Body or Modify Point Mass dialog box is not
already displayed, display it as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on
page 420.
2 Select Velocity ICs.
The Settings dialog box appears with its option menu set to Velocity ICs. If you
selected Velocity ICs from the Modify Point Mass dialog box, the Settings dialog
box only displays options for setting translational velocity. The Settings dialog
box is shown below for rigid bodies.
Set translational
velocity
Set angular
velocity
Building Models in ADAMS/View 115
Modifying Parts
3 Set the translational and angular velocity as explained in Table 9 and select
Apply.
Set the velocity along or Select the axes along or about which you want
about an axis to define velocity and enter the velocity in the
text box that appears next to the axes check
boxes. Remember, leaving a velocity unset
lets ADAMS/View calculate the velocity of
the part during an assemble model operation
depending on the other forces and constraints
acting on the part. It is not the same as setting
the initial velocity to zero.
116 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Note: If you fix the initial positions of too many parts, the assemble model
operation can fail. Use initial positions sparingly.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 117
Modifying Parts
1 Display the Modify Rigid Body or Modify Point Mass dialog box as explained
in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Select Position ICs.
The Settings dialog box appears with its option menu set to Position ICs. If you
selected Position ICs from the Modify Point Mass dialog box, the Settings dialog
box only displays options for setting location conditions. The Settings dialog
box is shown below for rigid bodies.
Control initial
location
coordinates
Control initial
orientation
coordinates
3 Select the coordinates or angles that you want fixed during assemble model
operation and select Apply.
118 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Setting Up Materials
Parts have material properties, defined by their composition, such as restitution
coefficient, Young's modulus, Poissons ratio, and mass density. Part material
properties are important in determining the mass moments of inertia of a part. You can
select or modify a part material from the ADAMS/Views library of materials or you
can set up your own material type.
Table 10 shows the material properties for the standard material types in
ADAMS/View. All material types in ADAMS/View are assumed to be linearly
elastic. ADAMS/View automatically calculates the materials Shear Modulus (G)
from the Youngs Modulus (E) and Poissons Ratio () according to the equation:
E
G = ---------------------
2(1 + )
1 From the Build menu, point to Materials, and then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a material type
to modify and select OK. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Create or Modify Material dialog box appears.
3 Change the default name assigned to the new material type, if desired.
4 Enter the values for Youngs Modulus, Poissons Ratio, and mass density.
5 Select the Comments tool on the dialog box and enter any comments you
want associated with the material type. For more information on entering
comments, see Adding Comments to Objects on page 183 of the guide,
Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
6 Select OK.
120 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
3 If you selected to calculate the aggregate mass of only a selected set of parts,
select Select. A list of parts in your model appears. Select the desired parts.
To select a single part, click the part.
To use the mouse to select a continuous set of parts, drag the mouse over the
parts that you want to select or click on one part, hold down the Shift key, and
click the last part in the set. All part between the two selected parts are
highlighted.
To use the up and down arrow keys to select a continuous set of parts, click
on the first part, hold down the Shift key, and then use the up or down arrow
to select a block of parts.
To select a noncontinuous set of parts, click on a part, hold down the Ctrl key,
and click on the individual parts that you want.
To clear any part in the selected list, hold down the Ctrl key and then click
the selected part to clear its selection.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 121
Modifying Parts
4 In the Relative to text box, if desired, enter another coordinate system, with
respect to which youd like calculations to be relative. By default the
calculations are relative to the global coordinate system.
5 Select how you want the output displayed. You can display it in the
information window and to a file. (Note that currently, Brief Output has no
impact on the type of information displayed.)
If you want to save the results to a file, in the File Name text box, enter the name
of the file in which you want to save the information. If you want the
information written to a directory other than the one from which you are
running ADAMS/View, enter the path.
6 Select OK.
122 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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3 Select how you want the distance information displayed. You can select all of
the following:
On the screen in an information window - Select Display Results.
In a file - In the Write Result to File Name text box, enter the name of the file in
which you want to save the distance information. If you want the
information written to a directory other than the one from which you are
running ADAMS/View, include the path.
4 Select either:
Model Name if you want to calculate the distance based on the current
configuration of a model.
Analysis Name if youd like to calculate the distance based on a configuration,
frame, or simulation time from a particular simulation.
The elements in the dialog box change depending on your selection.
124 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Modifying Parts
5 Enter the options in the dialog box as explained in the table below and select
OK. As you set options, remember that you can use the pop-up menu that
appears when you hold down the right mouse button in a text box to select an
object from the screen or a list
Table 11. Model and Analysis Options
Model Name In the Model Name text box, enter the name of the
model. If you want to measure distances in the
current model, you do not need to enter a model
name.
Overview
After youve created the parts for your model, you need to
define how they are attached to one another and how they move
relative to each other. You use constraints to specify part
attachments and movement. This chapter explains the different
types of constraints and how to add them to your model. It
contains the following sections:
About Constraints, 126
About Constraints
Constraints define how parts (rigid bodies, flexible bodies, and point masses) are
attached to one another and how they are allowed to move relative to each other.
Constraints restrict relative movement between parts and represent idealized
connections. The next sections explain more about constraints.
Types of Constraints, 127
Types of Constraints
ADAMS/View provides a library of constraints including:
Idealized joints - Have a physical counterpart, such as a revolute (hinge) or
translational (sliding dovetail) joint.
Joint primitives - Place a restriction on relative motion, such as the
restriction that one part must always move parallel to another part.
Motions generators - Drive your model.
Figure 48 shows some of the different types of idealized joints that ADAMS/View
supports.
Figure 48. Different Types of Constraints
Constant
Convel Velocity
Joint Cylindrical
Cylindrical Joint
Fixed
Fixed Joint Planar
Planar Joint
128 Building Models in ADAMS/View
About Constraining Your Model
Table 15 lists motions that can be applied to the axes of parts. It places the
general point motion in all fields of the table because a general point
motion can apply motion to none, any, or all axes of a part.
Table 12. DOF Removed by Idealized Joints
0 1 2 3
0
Translational DOF Removed
(Part)
1
Planar
2
Cylindrical Translational
3
Hooke/Universal
Spherical Revolute Fixed
Constant Velocity
130 Building Models in ADAMS/View
About Constraining Your Model
0 1 2 3
0 1 2 3
(Part)
Translational DOF Removed
2 Cams
3
Building Models in ADAMS/View 131
About Constraining Your Model
0 1 2 3
If you created your model in exploded view, which lets you create
individual parts and then assemble them together into a model, you can
specify the parts to be connected by the constraint and then select a
different location for the constraint on each part. When you assemble the
parts into a model, ADAMS/View joins the parts together at the location on
the first part that you selected.
When you create a constraint, ADAMS/View creates markers at the specified location
on both parts. ADAMS/View orients the markers in the direction of the axis along
which the parts can move with respect to each other. The marker on the first part is
often called the I marker and the marker on the second part is called the J marker.
Orienting Constraints
You can orient a constraint to the global coordinate system or the working grid if it is
turned on. You can also select a direction vector along which you want the constraint
oriented.
The numbers are ADAMS IDs used to identify the element in the ADAMS/Solver
dataset (.adm) file.
You can rename your constraints as desired. See Renaming Objects on page 425 for
more information.
134 Building Models in ADAMS/View
About Constraining Your Model
Settings
container
Joint palette
Building Models in ADAMS/View 135
About Constraining Your Model
As you create constraints, ADAMS/View provides settings that you can control when
specifying the constraints. It provides the settings in a container at the bottom of the
palette or Main toolbox. The settings change depending on the type of constraint that
you are creating. For example, Figure 49 shows the attachment and alignment values
associated with creating a revolute joint that appear in the settings container.
You can use the settings to control how you want ADAMS/View to create the
constraints. For example, when you create a rotational motion, ADAMS/View lets
you specify its speed before creation. You can also define design variables or
expressions for these setting values.
By default, the Revolute tool appears at the top of the Joint tool stack and
the Rotational Motion tool appears at the top of the Motion tool stack.
136 Building Models in ADAMS/View
About Constraining Your Model
Use the Verify command to check the DOF in your model to make sure you
have the correct number of parts and constraints. For more information on
the Verify command, see Verifying Your Model on page 92 of the guide,
Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
Run a kinematic simulation to test your model without forces.
If possible, run a kinematic simulation before performing a dynamic
simulation. By running a kinematic simulation, you can ensure that
connections are correct before you add forces to your model. You may have
to add temporary constraints to your model to run a kinematic simulation.
For more on performing simulations of your model, see the guide,
Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
Remove redundant constraints from your model even if a simulation of
your model runs correctly. For more on redundant constraints, see More on
Redundant Constraint Checking on page 97 in the guide, Simulating
Models in ADAMS/View.
138 Building Models in ADAMS/View
About Constraining Your Model
5 Working with Joints
Overview
This chapter explains how to work with the two types of joints
in ADAMS/View:
Working with Idealized Joints, 140
Revolute Joints
A revolute joint (shown in Figure 50) allows the rotation of one part with respect to
another part about a common axis. The revolute joint can be located anywhere along
the axis about which the joints parts can rotate with respect to each other.
The orientation of the revolute joint defines the direction of the axis about which the
joints parts can rotate with respect to each other. The rotational axis of the revolute
joint is parallel to the orientation vector and passes through the location.
You can also add friction to a revolute joint as explained in Adding Friction to Joints
on page 162.
Figure 50. Revolute Joint
Axis of
rotation
Second part
Building Models in ADAMS/View 143
Working with Joints
Translational Joints
A translational joint (shown in Figure 51) allows one part to translate along a vector
with respect to a another part. The parts can only translate, not rotate, with respect to
each other.
When you create a translational joint, you specify its location and orientation. The
location of a translational joint does not affect the motion of the joint. It simply
determines where ADAMS/View places the joint. The orientation of the translational
joint, however, determines the direction of the axis along which the parts can slide
with respect to each other. The direction of the motion of the translation joint is
parallel to the orientation vector and passes through the location.
You can also add friction to a translational joint as explained in Adding Friction to
Joints on page 162.
First
Axis of part
translation
Second
part
144 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Cylindrical Joints
A cylindrical joint (shown in Figure 52) allows both relative rotation as well as
relative translation of one part with respect to another part. A cylindrical joint can be
located anywhere along the axis about which the parts can rotate or slide with respect
to each other.
The orientation of the cylindrical joint defines the direction of the axis about which
the parts can rotate or slide along with respect to each other. The rotational axis of the
cylindrical joint is parallel to the orientation vector and passes through the location.
You can also add friction to a cylindrical joint as explained in Adding Friction to Joints
on page 162.
Figure 52. Cylindrical Joint
Axis of
translation First part
and rotation
Second part
Building Models in ADAMS/View 145
Working with Joints
Spherical Joints
A spherical joint (shown in Figure 53) allows the free rotation about a common point
of one part with respect to another part. The location of the spherical joint determines
the point about which the joints parts can pivot freely with respect to each other.
You can also add friction to a spherical joint as explained in Adding Friction to Joints
on page 162.
Figure 53. Spherical Joint
Second part
Location
First part
146 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Planar Joints
A planar joint (shown in Figure 54) allows a plane on one part to slide and rotate in
the plane of another part. The location of the planar joint determines a point in space
through which the joints plane of motion passes.
The orientation vector of the planar joint is perpendicular to the joints plane of
motion. The rotational axis of the planar joint, which is normal to the joints plane of
motion, is parallel to the orientation vector.
Figure 54. Planar Joint
Normal axis
Location
First part
Second part
Building Models in ADAMS/View 147
Working with Joints
Constant-Velocity Joints
A constant-velocity joint (shown in Figure 55) allows two rotations on one part with
respect to another part, while remaining coincident and maintaining a constant
velocity through the spin axis.
You can also add friction to a constance-velocity joint as explained in Adding Friction
to Joints on page 162.
Location
Screw Joints
A screw joint specifies the rotation of one part about an axis, as the part translates
along the axis with respect to a second part.
The screw joint does not require that the two parts remain parallel with respect to the
axis of rotation and translation. However, the z-axis of the coordinate system marker
on the first part and the z-axis of the coordinate system marker on the second part must
always be parallel and co-directed. Although the screw joint does not enforce this
parallelism, the chain of parts and joints that connects the two markers should.
After you create a screw joint, you need to specify the pitch value. The pitch value is
the distance from one peak on a thread of the screw to the next thread. It defines the
amount of translational displacement of the first part for every rotation of the second
part about the axis of rotation. By default, ADAMS/View sets the pitch value to 1. The
pitch value is in length units. A positive pitch creates a right-hand thread, and a
negative pitch creates a left-hand thread.
Figure 56. Screw Joint
Axisof
Axis of
translation
Translation
andRotation
and rotation
Pitch
zi
First xi
First
part
Rigid
Body
zj
Second
Second
part
Rigid
Body
xj
Building Models in ADAMS/View 149
Working with Joints
Fixed Joints
A fixed joint locks two parts together so they cannot move with respect to each other.
The effect is similar to defining two parts as a single part. If you want to have the two
parts move relative to each other in a future analysis, simply delete the fixed joint and
use another type of joint.
Figure 57. Fixed Joint
First
FirstBody
Rigid
part
Second
Second
part Body
Rigid
For a fixed joint, the location and orientation of the joint often do not affect the
outcome of the simulation. In these cases, you can place the joint at a location where
the graphic icon is easily visible. However, occasionally the placement of the fixed
joint can allow force moments to become quite large depending on where you place
the joint as shown in Figure 58. In this type of case, be sure to place it where you get
the results that you want.
150 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Hooke/Universal Joint
A hooke/universal joint (shown in Figures 59 and 60) allows the rotation of one rigid
body to be transferred to the rotation of another rigid body. This joint is particularly
useful when transferring rotational motion around corners, when you need to simulate
the non-constant velocity of a physical universal joint, or when transferring rotational
motion between two connected shafts that are permitted to bend at the connection
point (such as the drive shaft on an automobile).
The location point of the universal joint represents the connection point of the two
parts. For a hooke joint, two shaft axes leading to the cross bars identify the axes about
which the two parts are permitted to rotate with respect to each other. Note that
ADAMS/View uses rotational axes that are parallel to the rotational axes you identify
but that pass through the location point for the hooke joint. For a universal joint, the
cross bars identify the axes about which the two parts are permitted to rotate with
respect to each other.
You can also add friction to a hooke/universal joint as explained in Adding Friction to
Joints on page 162.
152 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
First axis
Second
part
Location
First
part Second axis
Location
First axis
Second
Second axis part
First
part
Building Models in ADAMS/View 153
Working with Joints
1 From the Joint tool stack or palette, select the joint tool representing the
idealized joint that you want to create.
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the joint connected to parts. You can select the following:
1 location (Bodies Implicit) - Lets you select the location of the joint and
have ADAMS/View determine the two parts that should be connected.
ADAMS/View selects the parts closest to the joint location. If there is
only one part near the joint, ADAMS/View connects the joint to that
part and ground.
2 Bodies - 1 Location - Lets you explicitly select the two parts to be
connected by the joint and the location of the joint. The joint remains
fixed on the first part and moves relative to the second part.
2 Bodies - 2 Locations - Lets you explicitly select the two parts to be
connected by the joint and the location of the joint on each part. You
should use this option if you are working in exploded view. For more
on exploded view, see Assembling Your Model on page 102 of the
guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
For more on the effects of these options, see Connecting Constraints to Parts
on page 132.
How you want the joint oriented. You can select:
Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the joint along the current working grid,
if it is displayed, or normal to the screen.
Pick Feature - Lets you orient the joint along a direction vector on a
feature in your model, such as the face of a part.
154 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
3 Select the first part to be connected using the left mouse button. If you
selected to explicitly select the parts to be connected, select the second part in
your model using the left mouse button.
4 Place the cursor where you want the joint to be located, and click the left
mouse button. If you selected to specify its location on each part, place the
cursor on the second location, and click the left mouse button.
5 If you selected to orient the joint along a direction vector on a feature, move
the cursor around in your model to display an arrow representing the direction
along a feature where you want the joint oriented. When the direction vector
represents the correct orientation, click the left mouse button.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 155
Working with Joints
Note: You can also modify joint properties using the Table Editor. For more
information on editing objects using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects
Using the Table Editor on page 401.
156 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Set basic
properties
Apply friction
to joint
Apply motion
Set initial
conditions
Building Models in ADAMS/View 157
Working with Joints
1 If you havent already done so, display the Modify Joint dialog box as
explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 If desired, in the First Body and Second Body text boxes, change the parts that
the joint connects. The part that you enter as the first body moves relative to
the part you enter as the second body.
3 From the Type option menu, select the type of joint to which you want to
change the current joint.
4 Select whether you want to display force graphics for one of the parts that the
joint connects.
5 For a screw joint, enter its pitch value.
6 Select OK, or select Apply to apply the changes but keep the dialog box
displayed so that you can change other joint properties as explained in the
next sections.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 159
Working with Joints
If you impose initial conditions on the joint that are inconsistent with those on a part
that the joint connects, the initial conditions on the joint have precedence over those
on the part. If, however, you impose initial conditions on the joint that are inconsistent
with imparted motions on the joint, the initial conditions as specified by the motion
generator take precedence over those on the joint.
1 If it is not already displayed, display the Modify Joint dialog box as explained
in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Select Initial Conditions.
The Joint Initial Conditions dialog box appears. Some options in the Joint
Initial Conditions dialog box are not available (ghosted) depending on the type
of joint for which you are setting initial conditions.
1 If the Modify Joint dialog box is not already displayed, display it as explained
in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Select Impose Motion.
The Impose Motion dialog box appears. Some options in the Impose Motion
dialog box are not available (ghosted) depending on the type of joint on which
you are imposing motion.
3 Enter a name for the motion. ADAMS/View assigns a default name to the
motion.
4 Enter the values for the motion as explained in Table 18 on page 193, and
select OK.
162 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
1 If the Modify Joint dialog box is not already displayed, display it as explained
in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 From the Modify Joint dialog box, select the Friction tool .
The Joint Friction dialog box appears. The options in the dialog box change
depending on the type of joint for which you are adding friction.
3 Enter the values in the dialog box and select OK. For more information on the
values to be entered in the dialog box, see the FRICTION statement in the
guide, Using ADAMS/Solver.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 163
Working with Joints
About Gears
A gear joint (shown in Figure 62) creates a gear pair that relates the motion of three
parts and two joints using a coordinate system marker, called the common velocity
marker, to determine the point of contact. It connects two of the parts, which are called
the geared parts, by coupling together the allowable degrees of freedom in two joints.
The coupled joints are attached to the third part, called the carrier part. The joints can
be translational, revolute, or cylindrical joints. Using different combinations of joint
types and orientations, you can model many different physical gears, including spur,
helical, planetary, bevel, and rack-and-pinion.
164 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Part B
Part A
Joint 2
Z
A
B
When you create the joints to be geared together, you must create them so the first part
you select is a geared part and the second part is the carrier part. Therefore, the I
marker parameters of the joints must belong to the geared parts and the J marker
parameters must belong to the carrier part. In addition, the common velocity marker
must belong to the carrier part.
The gear uses the location of the common velocity marker to determine the point of
contact or mesh of the two geared parts. The direction of the z-axis of the common
velocity marker points in the direction of the common motion of the geared parts. This
is also the direction in which the gear teeth forces act.
The location of the common velocity marker is constant with respect to the carrier
part. Its location does not change when the direction of power flow through the gear
changes.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 165
Working with Joints
The algebraic equation that the gear joint adds to your model, in general, looks like
the following:
S 1 q1 + S 2 q2 = 0
where:
q1 and q2 are the rotational or translation displacement variables defined by
the allowable DOF in the geared joints.
S1 and S2 represent scalar multipliers that act to couple these displacements
together. S1 and S2 are defined indirectly by the spatial relationship
between the locations of the joints with respect to the common velocity
marker.
You do not explicitly define the scalar multipliers (gear ratio) when creating a gear.
Instead, ADAMS/View automatically determines the gear ratio as the distance
between the origin of the common velocity marker and the origins of the coupled
joints. The gear ratio is shown in Figure 63.
Figure 63 also shows a specific case of creating a spur gear. For this gear, the general
equation is:
a . A = b . B
Joint,B
Z
Joint,A
Common
velocity marker
To create a gear, select the Gear tool on the Joint tool stack or palette.
The Constraint Create Complex Joint Gear dialog box appears.
To modify a gear, display the Constraint Modify Complex Joint Gear dialog
box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
Both the gear create and modify dialog boxes contain the same set of
options.
2 In the Gear Name text box, enter or change the name for the gear. If you are
creating a gear, ADAMS/View assigns a default name to the gear.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 167
Working with Joints
3 In the Adams Id text box, assign a unique ID number to the gear. The ID is an
integer number used to identify the gear in the ADAMS/Solver dataset. You
only need to specify an ADAMS ID if you are exporting the model to an
ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you want to control the numbering scheme used
in the file.
Enter a positive integer for the ID or enter 0 to let ADAMS set the ID for you.
4 In the Comments text box, add or change any comments about the gear to help
you manage and identify the gear. You can enter any alphanumeric characters.
The comments appear in the information window when you select to display
information about the gear, in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command
or dataset file when you export your model to these types of files.
5 In the Joint Name text box, enter or change the two translational, revolute, or
cylindrical joints to be geared together. ADAMS/View automatically
separates the joint names with a comma (,).
6 In the Common Velocity Marker text box, enter or change the marker defining the
point of contact between the geared parts. You need to make sure the z-axis of
the common velocity marker points in the direction of motion of the gear teeth
that are in contact. In Figure 62 on page 164, the z-axis of the common
velocity marker is tangent to the pitch circle of the spur gears.
To create a marker, right-click the Common Velocity Marker text box, and then
select Create.
Tip: If you encounter a warning message that the gear has a suspicious
configuration, the z-axis of the CV marker is probably oriented
incorrectly.
7 Select OK.
168 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
Coupler 1
Coupler 2
Although you can couple only two or three joints, more than one coupler can come
from the same joint, as shown in Figure 64.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 169
Working with Joints
To create a coupler:
1 From the Joint tool stack or palette, select the Coupler tool .
2 Select the driver joint to which the second joint is coupled.
3 Select the coupled joint that follows the driver joint.
Note: You can also modify coupler properties using the Table Editor. For more
information on editing objects using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects
Using the Table Editor on page 401.
170 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
2 If desired, in the Name text box, change the name of the coupler.
3 Select whether or not you want a three-joint coupler or a two-joint coupler and
the relationship between the joints (either linear or nonlinear).
4 If desired, in the Driver and Coupled text boxes, change the joints to be coupled
and, from the Freedom Type option menu, select their type.
5 If you have any cylindrical joints, you can specify either translational or
rotational displacement. Translational joints always have translational
displacements. Revolute joints always have rotational displacements.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 171
Working with Joints
1 From the Joint palette, select the joint primitive tool representing the joint that
you want to create.
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the joint connected to parts. You can select the following:
1 Location - Bodies implicit - Lets you select the location of the joint and
have ADAMS/View determine the two parts that should be connected.
ADAMS/View selects the parts closest to the joint location. If there is
only one part near the joint, ADAMS/View connects the joint to that
part and ground.
2 Bodies - 1 Location - Lets you explicitly select the two parts to be
connected by the joint and the location of the joint.
2 Bodies - 2 Locations - Lets you explicitly select the two parts to be
connected by the joint and the location of the joint on each part. You
should use this option if you are working in exploded view. For more
on exploded view, see Assembling Your Model on page 102 of the
guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
For more on the effects of these options, see Connecting Constraints to Parts
on page 132.
How you want the joint oriented. You can select:
Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the joint along the current working grid,
if it is displayed, or normal to the screen.
Pick Geometry Feature - Lets you orient the joint along a direction vector
on a feature in your model, such as the face of a part.
3 If you selected to explicitly select the parts to be connected, select each part in
your model using the left mouse button.
4 Place the cursor where you want the joint to be located, and click the left
mouse button. If you selected to specify its location on each part, place the
cursor on the second location and click the left mouse button.
176 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Joints
5 If you selected to orient the joint along a direction vector on a feature, move
the cursor around in your model to display an arrow representing the direction
along a feature where you want the joint oriented. When the direction vector
represents the correct orientation, click the left mouse button.
ADAMS/View creates the joint at the specified location.
6 Applying Motion
Overview
A motion generator dictates the movement of a part as a
function of time. It supplies whatever force is required to make
the part satisfy the motion. For example, a translational joint
motion prescribes that a joint on a part move at 10 mm/second
in the z direction. You can apply the motion to either idealized
joints or between a pair of parts.
The following sections explain more about motions and how to
create and modify them.
Types of Motion, 178
Types of Motion
ADAMS/View provides you with the following types of motion:
Joint Motion - Prescribes translational or rotational motion on a
translational, revolute, or cylindrical joint. Each joint motion removes one
DOF from your model. Joint motions are very easy to create, but they limit
you to motions that are applied to the above listed joints and movements in
only one direction or rotation.
Point Motion - Prescribes the movement between two parts. When you
create a point motion, you specify the direction along which the motion
occurs. You can impose a point motion on any type of idealized joint, such
as a spherical or cylindrical. For more information on imposing point
motion on a joint, see Imposing Point Motion on a Joint on page 161.
Point motions enable you to build complex movements into your model
without having to add joints or invisible parts. For example, you can
represent the movement along an arc, of a ship in the ocean, or a robots
arm.
For a listing of the DOF that the motions remove, see Table 15 on page 131.
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1 From the Motion tool stack or the Joint palette, select the joint motion tool
representing the motion that you want to create. Select either:
Note: You can also modify joint properties using the Table Editor. For more
information on editing objects using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects
Using the Table Editor on page 401.
184 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 Display the Impose Joint Motion dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify
Dialog Boxes on page 420.
The Impose Joint Motion dialog box appears. The text boxes in the dialog box
change depending on the type of motion you are modifying. The following
shows the Impose Joint Motion when you are modifying a motion defined by
its velocity.
2 Enter the values in the dialog box as explained in Table 17, and then select OK.
Table 17. Options for Impose Joint Motion Dialog Box
Change the joint to In the Joint text box, enter the new joint. The Joint
which the motion is Type text box automatically updates to the selected
applied type of joint.
To select the joint from the screen, browse for a
joint, or create a new joint, right-click the text
box, and then select the appropriate command.
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Table 17. Options for Impose Joint Motion Dialog Box (continued)
Change the direction From the Direction option menu, select the motion
of the motion direction. You can select only translational motion
(rotational or for a translational or cylindrical joint. You can
translational) select only rotational motion for a revolute or
cylindrical joint.
Set the type of motion From the Type option menu, select how you want
to define the magnitude of the motion.
Change the motion Enter the following in the F(time) text box:
function defining the Numerical value (For rotational motion,
magnitude of the specify the magnitude in radians.)
motion
Function expression
Parameters to be passed to a user-written
subroutine
To enter a function expression or values for a
subroutine, right-click the F(time) text box, and
then select Function Builder to display the
ADAMS/View Function Builder. For information
on using the Function Builder, see the guide,
Using the ADAMS/View Function Builder.
1 From the Motion tool stack or the Joint palette, select the tool representing the
type of point motion that you want to create. Select either:
Note: You can also modify point motion using the Table Editor. For more
information on editing objects using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects
Using the Table Editor on page 401.
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2 If desired, in the Moving Point and Reference Point text boxes, change the
coordinate system markers that define the location and orientation of the
motion on the parts.
To select a marker from the screen, browse for a marker in the Database
Navigator, or create a marker, right-click the text box, and then select the
appropriate command.
3 Enter the values in the dialog box for each DOF to which you want to apply
motion to as explained in Table 18 on page 193, and then select OK.
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Set the type of motion From the Type option menu, select how you want
to define the magnitude of motion.
Change the motion Enter the following in the F(time) text box:
function defining the Numerical value (For rotational motion,
magnitude of the specify the magnitude in radians.)
motion
Function expression
Parameters to be passed to a user-written
subroutine
To enter a function expression or parameters for a
subroutine, right-click the F(time) text box, and
then select Function Builder to display the
ADAMS/View Function Builder. For information
on using the Function Builder, see the guide,
Using the ADAMS/View Function Builder.
Overview
You use forces to model elastic connections between parts,
spring and damping elements, actuation and control forces, and
many other part interactions. This chapter introduces forces
and explains how to create and modify forces. It contains the
sections:
About Forces, 196
About Forces
Forces define loads and compliances on parts. Forces do not absolutely prohibit or
prescribe motion. Therefore, they do not add or remove degrees of freedom (DOF)
from your model. Some forces can resist motion, such as spring-dampers, and some
can try to induce motion.
ADAMS/View provides the following types of forces:
Applied forces - Applied forces are forces that define loads and
compliances on parts. Applied forces are very general, but you must supply
your own description of the force behavior by specifying a constant force
value, ADAMS/View function expression, or parameters to a user-written
subroutine that is linked into ADAMS/View.
Flexible connectors - Flexible connectors resist motion and are simpler
and easier to use than applied forces because you only supply constant
coefficients for the forces. The forces include beams, bushings, translational
spring-dampers, and torsion springs that provide compliant force
relationships.
Special forces - Special forces are forces that are commonly encountered,
such as tire and gravity forces. For more on gravity and setting gravity, see
Specifying Gravitational Force on page 40 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics. For more information on defining tires, see the guide,
Using ADAMS/Tire.
Contacts - Specify how parts react when they come in contact with each
other when the model is in motion.
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Enter parameters that are passed to user-written subroutines that are linked
to ADAMS/View. You can enter parameters for all types of applied forces.
You can also enter parameters to a subroutine for the field flexible
connector to create a nonlinear force between two parts. For more
information on how to use subroutines to define your force magnitudes, see
the guide, Using ADAMS/Solver Subroutines.
Settings
container
As you create forces, ADAMS/View provides basic settings that you can control. It
provides the settings in a container at the bottom of the palette or Main toolbox. The
settings change depending on the type of force that you are creating. For example,
Figure 68 shows the stiffness and damping coefficients for creating a translational
spring-damper.
You can use the settings to control how you want ADAMS/View to create forces. You
can also define design variables or expressions for these setting values.
Fz , Tz
Fy , Ty
y
z
x
Fx , Tx
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Single-component Force
A single-component force applies a translational force in one of two ways:
To one movable part - You select the part, the location of the point of
application, and the direction. ADAMS/View automatically applies the
force to ground.
To two parts - You select the parts and the locations of the point of
application on each part. ADAMS/View automatically defines the direction
based on the line of sight between the two locations. The direction is
continuously updated during simulation.
Figure 70 shows an example of a single-component force applied to a part.
FA
Point of application
*
Action Body
Ground
Note: You cannot use the line-of-sight method if the two points that define the
force will become coincident during a simulation because the force direction
becomes undefined. When running a simulation, ADAMS/Solver warns you
when the points become nearly coincident. The following shows an example
of a warning:
WARNING: The direction cosines for SFORCE model_1.FORCE_1 are
invalid. This is usually caused by a (nearly) zero length SFORCE or
SPRINGDAMPER.
You can ignore the warning only if the computed force is zero when the points
are coincident (for example, when you are using a BISTOP function that is
inactive when its markers are coincident). Otherwise, having coincident
points is a modeling error with unpredictable results.
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Single-Component Torque
A single-component torque applies a rotational force to either one part or two about a
specified axis. You specify the point of application and the direction. Figure 71 shows
an example of a single-component torque applied to one part.
Figure 71. Example of Single-Component Torque
Action Body
*
Point of Application
TA
208 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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F1
*
F1
*
F1
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F1
*
F1
*
F1
Two bodies - Applies the single-component force to two parts that you
select, at two locations that you select. ADAMS/View defines the direction
based on the line of sight between the two locations you selected.
Figure 74. Example of Two Bodies
F1
*
F2
210 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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For more on the effects of these options, see Specifying Force Direction on
page 208.
How you want the force oriented. You can select:
Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force normal to the current working
grid, if it is displayed, or normal to the screen.
Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a
feature in your model, such as along an edge or normal to the face of a
part.
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2 Enter the values in the dialog box as explained in Table 19 and select OK.
214 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Set the number of From the Direction option menu, select how you want to
parts affected and define the direction of the force. The options in the dialog
the direction of the box change depending on your selection.
force On One Body, Fixed in Space - Sets the force direction so it
is applied to a part. The force direction is fixed on
ground.
On One Body, Moving with Body - Sets the force so it is
applied to a part. The part defines the direction of the
force.
On One Body, Moving with Another Body - Sets the force so it
is applied to a part. A second part (the direction part)
defines the direction of the force.
Between Two Bodies - Creates a force between two parts.
One of the parts can be ground. You cannot change a
force on one part to a force defined between two parts or
the reverse. You can, however, change a torque on one
part to a torque on two parts or the reverse.
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Set the bodies Change the values in the following text boxes as necessary.
used in defining The text boxes available depend on how you defined the
the force direction of the force.
Body - Change the action body to which the force is
applied.
Reaction Body - Change the body that receives the
reaction forces.
Direction Body - Change the body that defines the
direction of the force if you selected the direction option,
On One Body, Moving with Another Body.
Change the force Enter the following in the F(time, ...) text box:
function defining Constant force value
the magnitude of
the force Function expression
Parameters to be passed to a user-written subroutine
To enter a function expression or parameters for a
subroutine, right-click the F(time, ...) text box, and then select
Function Builder to display the ADAMS/View Function
Builder. For information on using the Function Builder, see
the guide, Using the ADAMS/View Function Builder.
Set force graphics From the Force Display option menu, select whether you want
to display force graphics for one of the parts, both, or none.
By default, ADAMS/View displays the force graphic on the
action body for single-component forces.
216 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Three-component force
Three-component torque
marker at all times. The reaction marker is often referred to as a floating marker
because its location is not fixed relative to the body to which it belongs. Action and
reaction markers are also referred to as I and J markers.
ADAMS/View also creates a third coordinate system marker called a reference (R)
marker that indicates the direction of the force. You define the orientation of the
reference marker when you create a multi-component force. You can align the marker
to the working grid, if it is turned on, or to the global coordinate system. You can also
orient the marker using any feature in your model, such as along an edge of a part.
Figure 75 illustrates the movement of reaction forces and the placement of the
reference marker. The figure shows a ball bouncing on a board. As the ball bounces,
its location changes relative to the board. The reaction forces applied to the board also
change location because the reaction (J) marker moves with the ball. The reaction
forces applied to the board do not change direction because the reference (R) marker
belongs to the stationary board.
Figure 75. Example of Action and Reaction Force Movement
Fa (applied
to action body)
Reference
marker
Action
body
Reaction
body
Action and Fr (applied
reaction markers to reaction body)
coincident
Tip: You can use the Info command to see the markers that ADAMS/View creates
for a multi-component force. You can also see the markers when you modify
the force. For more information on the Info command, see Viewing Modeling
Information on page 171 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
218 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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F a = FX x rm + FY y rm + FZ z rm
where:
F r = -F a
where F r is the reaction force applied to the reaction body. If you apply the force to
a part and ground, ADAMS/Solver does not calculate the reaction forces.
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T a = TX x rm + TY y rm + TZ z rm
where:
T r = -T a
where T r is the reaction torque applied to the reaction body. If you apply the torque
to a part and ground, ADAMS/Solver does not calculate the reaction torques.
220 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 Location 0 1
2 Bodies - 1 Location 2 1
2 Bodies - 2 Locations 2 2
Tip: To precisely orient your force, first orient the working grid so its x-, y-, and
z-axes align with the desired force axes. Then, use the Normal To Grid
orientation method when you create the force. For more information on the
working grid, see Setting the Location and Orientation of the Working Grid on
page 133 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
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1 From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the tool representing the
multi-component force that you want to create. Select:
Options available
depend on number
and type of force
components
2 Enter the values in the dialog box as explained in Table 21, and then select OK.
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Set the bodies or From the option menus, select whether or not you want to
markers used in define the force using bodies or markers. Then, enter values
defining the force in the text boxes, as appropriate. The text boxes that are
available depend on how you defined the direction of the
force.
Action Part/Action Marker - Change the action body or
marker to which the force is applied.
Reaction Part/Reaction Marker - Change the reaction body or
marker that receives the reaction forces.
To select an object from the screen or browse for an object in
the Database Navigator, right-click the text box, and then
select the appropriate command.
Set force graphics From the Force Display option menu, select whether you want
to display force graphics for one of the parts, both, or none.
By default, ADAMS/View displays force graphics for the
action body.
226 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Fx K 11 0 0 0 0 0 x
Fy 0 K 22 0 0 0 0 y
Fz 0 0 K 33 0 0 0 z
=
Tx 0 0 0 K 44 0 0 a
Ty 0 0 0 0 K 55 0 b
Tz 0 0 0 0 0 K 66 c
C 11 0 0 0 0 0 Vx F1
0 C 22 0 0 0 0 Vy F2
0 0 C 33 0 0 0 Vz F3
+
0 0 0 C 44 0 0 x T1
0 0 0 0 C 55 0 y T2
0 0 0 0 0 C 66 z T3
Note: A bushing has the same constitutive relation form as a field element. The
primary difference between the two forces is that nondiagonal coefficients
(Kij and Cij, where i is not equal to j) are zero for a bushing. You only define
the diagonal coefficients (Kii and Cii) when creating a bushing. For more on
field elements, see Adding a Field Element on page 255.
228 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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where:
Fx, Fy, and Fz are measure numbers of the translational force components in
the coordinate system of the J marker.
x, y, and z are measure numbers of the bushing deformation vector in the
coordinate system of the J marker.
Vx, Vy, and Vz are time derivatives of x, y, and z, respectively.
F1, F2, and F3 are measure numbers of any constant preload force
components in the coordinate system of the J marker.
Tx, Ty, and Tz are rotational force components in the coordinate system of
the J marker.
a, b, and c are projected, small-angle rotational displacements of the I
marker with respect to the J marker.
x, y, and z are the measure numbers of the angular velocity of the I
marker as seen by the J marker, expressed in the J marker coordinate
system.
T1, T2, and T3 are measure numbers of any constant preload torque
components in the coordinate system of the J marker.
The bushing element applies an equilibrating force and torque to the J marker in the
following way:
Fj = - F i
T j = - T i - Fi
is the instantaneous deformation vector from the J marker to the I marker. While the
force at the J marker is equal and opposite to the force at the I marker, the torque at
the J marker is usually not equal to the torque at the I marker because of the moment
arm due to the deformation of the bushing element.
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Note: For the rotational constitutive equations to be accurate, at least two of the
rotations (a, b, c) must be small. That is, two of the three values must remain
smaller than 10 degrees. In addition, if a becomes greater than 90 degrees, b
becomes erratic. If b becomes greater than 90 degrees, a becomes erratic.
Only c can become greater than 90 degrees without causing convergence
problems. For these reasons, it is best to define your bushing such that angles
a and b remain small (not a and c and not b and c).
Creating a Bushing
To create a bushing:
1 From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the Bushing tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
1 location
2 bodies - 1 location
2 bodies - 2 locations
Modifying a Bushing
You can modify the following for a bushing:
The two bodies to which the forces are applied.
Translational and rotational properties for stiffness, damping, and preload.
Whether or not force graphics are displayed during an animation. Force
graphics display an arrow in the direction of the force. The length of the
arrow is proportional to the magnitude of the force. By default,
ADAMS/View turns on force graphics for the action body. For information
on setting preferences for force graphics, see Setting Up Force Graphics on
page 201 of the guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
To modify a bushing:
Set the bodies Change the following as necessary in the following text boxes.
used in defining The text boxes available depend on how you defined the
the force direction of the force.
Action Body - Change the action body to which the force is
applied.
Reaction Body - Change the body that receives the reaction
forces.
To select a part from the screen or browse for a part in the
Database Navigator, right-click the text box, and then select the
appropriate command.
232 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Set force From the Force Display option menu, select whether you want to
graphics display force graphics for one of the parts, both, or none.
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R
positive F
Reaction
Body
*
F A> 0
Action
Body FR = - FA
You can specify the damping and stiffness values as coefficients or use a spline to
define the relationship of damping to velocity or stiffness to displacement. You can
also set the stiffness value to 0 to create a pure damper or set the damping value to 0
to create a pure spring.
You can also set the length of the spring-damper when it is in its preloaded state and
any preload forces on the spring. By default, ADAMS/View uses the length of the
spring-damper when you create it as its preload length.
The next sections explain more about creating and modifying spring-dampers.
Equations Defining the Force of a Spring-Damper, 234
where:
r is the distance between the two locations that define the spring damper.
dr/dt is the relative velocity of the locations along the line-of-sight between
them.
C is the viscous damping coefficient.
Creating a Spring-Damper
You add a translational spring-damper to your model by defining the locations on two
parts between which the spring-damper acts. You define the action force that is
applied to the first location, and ADAMS/Solver, the analysis engine, automatically
applies the equal and opposite reaction force to the second location.
To create a spring-damper:
1 From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Translational Spring-Damper
tool .
2 If desired, enter stiffness (K) and damping (C) coefficients in the Settings
container.
3 Select a location for the spring-damper on the first part. This is the action
body.
4 Select a location for the spring-damper on the second part. This is the reaction
body.
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Modifying a Spring-Damper
After youve created a spring-damper, you can modify:
Parts between which the spring-damper acts.
Stiffness and damping values, including specifying a spline that defines the
relationship of stiffness to displacement. For more information on defining
splines, see Creating Data Element Splines on page 332.
Preload values.
Whether or not spring, damper, and force graphics appear.
Spring and damper graphics - You can specify that spring and
damper graphics are always on, always off, or on whenever you have
defined a spring or damping coefficient.
Force graphics - You can select to display force graphics for either
part to which the force is applied. Force graphics display an arrow in
the direction of the force. The length of the arrow is proportional to the
magnitude of the force. By default, ADAMS/View turns on force
graphics for the action body. For information on setting preferences
for force graphics, see Setting Up Force Graphics on page 201 of the
guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
To modify a spring-damper:
Set graphics From the option menus, select whether you want
spring, damper, or force graphics.
238 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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ADAMS/Solver automatically computes the terms da/dt and a. The term a is the angle
between the x axes of the I and the J markers. ADAMS/Solver takes into account the
total number of complete turns.
Figure 77. Rotational Displacement About Two Markers
Y j
Y i
X i
X j
Z j a
Z i
You can specify the damping and stiffness values as coefficients or use a spline to
define the relationship of damping to velocity or stiffness to displacement. You can
also set the stiffness value to 0 to create a pure damper or set the damping values to 0
to create a pure spring. For more information on defining splines, see Creating Data
Element Splines on page 332.
You can also set the rotation angle of the torsion spring when it is in its preload state
and any preload forces on the spring. By default, ADAMS/View uses the rotation
angle of the torsion spring when you create it as its preload angle.
Caution: By its definition a beam is asymmetric. Holding the J marker fixed and
deflecting the I marker produces different results than holding the I marker
fixed and deflecting the J marker by the same amount. This asymmetry
occurs because the coordinate system frame that the deflection of the beam
is measured in moves with the J marker.
240 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Torsion Spring tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
1 location
2 bodies - 1 location
2 bodies - 2 locations
How you want the force oriented. You can select:
Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force along the x-, y-, and z-axes of
the current working grid, if it is displayed, or along the x-, y-, and
z-axes of the screen.
Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a
feature in your model, such as the face of a part. The direction vector
you select defines the z-axis for the force; ADAMS/View
automatically calculates the x- and y-axes.
If desired, enter torsional stiffness (KT) and torsional damping (CT)
coefficients.
3 Click the bodies unless ADAMS/View is automatically selecting them
(1 location method).
4 Click one or two force-application points depending on the location method
you selected.
5 If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector using a feature,
move the cursor around in your model to display an arrow that shows the
direction along a feature where you want the force oriented. Click when the
direction vector shows the correct z-axis orientation.
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Set graphics From the Torque Display option menu, select whether
you want to display force graphics for one of the
parts, both, or none.
244 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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About Beams
A beam creates a linear translational and rotational force between two locations that
define the endpoints of the beam. It creates coordinate system markers at each
endpoint. The marker on the action body, the first part you select, is the I marker. The
marker on the reaction body, the second part you select, is the J marker. The forces
the beam produces are linearly dependent on the relative displacements and velocities
of the markers at the beams endpoints.
Figure 78 shows the two markers (I and J) that define the endpoints of the beam and
indicates the twelve forces (s1 to s12) it produces.
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y
s8
y s11
s10 s7
x
I
s2
s12 s9
s5 z
x
J
s1 z
s6 s3
s4
L
The x-axis of the J marker defines the centroidal axis of the beam. The y-axis and
z-axis of the J marker are the principal axes of the cross section. They are
perpendicular to the x-axis and to each other. When the beam is in an undeflected
position, the I marker has the same angular orientation as the J marker, and the
I marker lies on the x-axis of the J marker. ADAMS/View applies the following
forces in response to the translational and the rotational deflections of the I marker
with respect to the J marker:
Axial forces (s1 and s7)
Bending moments about the y-axis and z-axis (s5, s6, s11, and s12)
Twisting moments about the x-axis (s4 and s10)
Shear forces (s2, s3, s8, and s9)
Note: You can use a field element instead of a beam to define a beam with
characteristics unlike those that the beam assumes. For example, a field
element can define a beam with a non-uniform cross section or a beam with
nonlinear material characteristics. (For more information, see Adding a Field
Element on page 255.)
246 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Fx K 11 0 0 0 0 0 xL
Fy 0 K 22 0 0 0 K 26 y
Fz 0 0 K 33 0 K 35 0 z
=
Tx 0 0 0 K 44 0 0 a
Ty 0 0 K 53 0 K 55 0 b
Tz 0 K 62 0 0 0 K 66 c
C 11 C 21 C 31 C 41 C 51 C 61 Vx
C 21 C 22 C 32 C 42 C 52 C 62 V y
C 31 C 32 C 33 C 43 C 53 C 63 V z
C 41 C 42 C 43 C 44 C 54 C 64 x
C 51 C 52 C 53 C 54 C 55 C 65 y
C 61 C 62 C 63 C 64 C 65 C 66
z
where:
Fx, Fy, and Fz are the measure numbers of the translational force
components in the coordinate system of the J marker.
x, y, and z are the translational displacements of the I marker with respect to
the J marker measured in the coordinate system of the J marker.
Vx, Vy, and Vz are the time derivatives of x, y, and z, respectively.
Tx, Ty, and Tz are the rotational force components in the coordinate system
of the J marker.
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where:
E = Youngs modulus of elasticity for the beam material.
A = Uniform area of the beam cross section.
L = Undeformed length of the beam along the x-axis.
Py = 12 E Izz ASY/(G A L2)
ASY = Correction factor (shear area ratio) for shear deflection in the y
direction for Timoshenko beams.
ASZ = Shear area ratio for shear deflection in the z direction for
Timoshenko beams.
248 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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T j = - T i - L Fi
L is the instantaneous displacement vector from the J marker to the I marker. While
the force at the J marker is equal and opposite to the force at the I marker, the torque
is usually not equal and opposite, because of the force transfer.
Creating a Beam
To create a beam:
1 From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Massless Beam tool .
2 Select a location for the beam on the first part. This is the action body.
3 Select a location for the beam on the second part. This is the reaction body.
4 Select the direction in the upward (y) direction for the cross-section geometry.
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Modifying a Beam
After youve created a beam, you can modify the following:
Coordinate systems between which the beam acts.
Stiffness and damping values.
Material properties of the beam, such as its length and area.
To modify a beam:
1 Display the Force Modify Element Like Beam dialog box as explained in
Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Change the name of the beam, if desired, and assign a unique ID number to
the beam. The ID is an integer used to identify the element in the
ADAMS/Solver dataset (.adm) file. You only need to specify an ID number if
you are exporting the model to an ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you want to
control the numbering scheme used in the file.
Enter a positive integer or enter 0 to have ADAMS set the ID number for you.
3 Enter any comments about the beam that might help you manage and identify
the beam. You can enter any alphanumeric characters. The comments that you
create appear in the information window when you select to display
information about the object, in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command
or dataset file when you export your model to these types of files.
4 Enter values for the beam properties as explained in Table 25 on page 250,
and then select OK.
250 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Area of the beam In the Area of Cross Section text box, enter the uniform
cross section area of the beam cross-section geometry. The
centroidal axis must be orthogonal to this cross
section.
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Shear area ratio In the Y Shear Area Ratio and Z Shear Area Ratio text
boxes, specify the correction factor (the shear area
ratio) for shear deflection in the y and z direction for
Timoshenko beams. If you want to neglect the
deflection due to shear, enter zero in the text boxes.
For the y direction:
2
Q
------ dA
A
A y
Y = ---2-
Iy lz
where:
Qy is the first moment of cross-sectional area
where:
Qz is the first moment of cross-sectional area
Shear area ratio Note: The K1 and K2 terms that are used by
(continued) MSC/NASTRAN for defining the beam
properties using PBEAM are the inverse of
the y shear and z shear values that
ADAMS/View uses.
Youngs and shear In the Youngs Modulus and Shear Modulus text box,
modulus of elasticity enter Youngs and shear modulus of elasticity for
the beam material.
Length of beam Enter the undeformed length of the beam along the
x axis of the J marker on the reaction body.
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Damping ratio or Select one of the following from the option menu:
damping matrix Damping Ratio and enter a damping value to
establish a ratio for calculating the structural
damping matrix for the beam. To obtain the
damping matrix, ADAMS/Solver multiplies the
stiffness matrix by the value you enter for
damping ratio.
Damping Matrix and enter a a six-by-six structural
damping matrix for the beam. Because this
matrix is symmetric, you only need to specify
one-half of the matrix. The following matrix
shows the values to input:
r01
r02 r07
r03 r08 r12
r04 r09 r13 r16
r05 r10 r14 r17 r19
r06 r11 r15 r18 r20 r21
Enter the elements by columns from top to
bottom, then from left to right. The damping
matrix defaults to a matrix with thirty-six zero
entries; that is, r1 through r21 each default to
zero.
The damping matrix should be positive
semidefinite. This ensures that damping does not
feed energy into the model. ADAMS/Solver
does not warn you if the matrix is not positive
semidefinite.
254 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Markers that define Specify the two markers between which to define a
the beam beam. The I marker is on the action body and the
J marker is on the reaction body. The J marker
establishes the direction of the force components.
By definition, the beam lies along the positive
x-axis of the J marker. Therefore, the I marker must
have a positive x displacement with respect to the
J marker when viewed from the J marker. In its
undeformed configuration, the orientation of the
I and the J markers must be the same.
When the x -axes of the markers defining a beam
are not collinear, the beam deflection and,
consequently, the force corresponding to this
deflection are calculated. To minimize the effect of
such misalignments, perform a static equilibrium at
the start of the simulation.
When the beam element angular deflections are
small, the stiffness matrix provides a meaningful
description of the beam behavior. When the angular
deflections are large, they are not commutative; so
the stiffness matrix that produces the translational
and rotational force components may not correctly
describe the beam behavior. ADAMS/Solver issues
a warning message if the beam translational
displacements exceed 10 percent of the undeformed
length.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 255
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Fx K 11 K 12 K 13 K 14 K 15 K 16 x x 0
Fy K 21 K 22 K 23 K 24 K 25 K 26 y y 0
Fz K 31 K 32 K 33 K 34 K 35 K 36 z z 0
=
Tx K 41 K 42 K 43 K 44 K 45 K 46 a a 0
Ty K 51 K 52 K 53 K 54 K 55 K 56 b b 0
Tz K 61 K 62 K 63 K 64 K 65 K 66 c c 0
C 11 C 12 C 13 C 14 C 15 C 16 Vx F1
C 21 C 22 C 23 C 24 C 25 C 26 V y F2
C 31 C 32 C 33 C 34 C 35 C 36 V z F3
+
C 41 C 42 C 43 C 44 C 45 C 46 x T1
C 51 C 52 C 53 C 54 C 55 C 56 y T2
C 61 C 62 C 63 C 64 C 65 C 66 z T3
For a nonlinear field, the following constitutive equations are defined in the FIESUB
subroutine:
Fx=f1(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Fy=f2(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Fz=f3(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Tx=f4(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Ty=f5(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Tz=f6(x,y,z,a,b,c,Vx,Vy,Vz, a , b , c )
Building Models in ADAMS/View 257
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ADAMS/Solver applies the defined forces and torques at the I marker. In the linear
and nonlinear equations:
Fx, Fy, and Fz are the three translational force measure numbers.
Tx, Ty, and Tz are the three rotational force measure numbers associated
with unit vectors directed along the x-, y-, and z-axes of the J marker.
K is the stiffness matrix.
x0, y0, z0, a0, b0, and c0 are the free lengths.
To create a field:
1 From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Field Element tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
1 Location
2 Bodies - 1 Location
2 Bodies - 2 Locations
1 Display the Force Modify Element Like Field dialog box as explained in
Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Change the name of the field element, if desired, and assign a unique ID
number to the field. The ID is an integer used to identify the element in the
ADAMS/Solver dataset (.adm) file. You only need to specify an ID number if
you are exporting the model to an ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you want to
control the numbering scheme used in the file.
Enter a positive integer or enter 0 to have ADAMS set the ID number for you.
3 Enter any comments about the field that might help you manage and identify
the field. You can enter any alphanumeric characters. The comments that you
create appear in the information window when you select to display
information about the object, in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command
or dataset file when you export your model to these types of files.
4 Enter values for the field properties as explained in Table 26 on page 260, and
then select OK.
260 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Markers that define In the I Marker Name and J Marker Name text boxes,
the field specify the two markers between which the force
and torque are to be exerted. ADAMS/View applies
the component translational and rotational forces for
a field to the I marker and imposes reaction forces
on the J marker.
Force and torque In the Force Preload and Torque Preload text boxes,
preload define three preload force components and three
preload torque components transferred by the field
element when the I and J markers are
separated/misaligned by the values specified in the
Translation at Preload and Rotation at Preload text boxes.
The terms are the force components along the x-, y-,
and z-axis of the J marker and the torque
components about the x-, y-, and z-axis of the
J marker, respectively. Entering values for Force
Preload and Torque Preload is optional and defaults to
six zero entries.
262 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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r1 r7 r 13 r 19 r 25 r 31
r2 r8 r 14 r 20 r 26 r 32
r3 r9 r 15 r 21 r 27 r 33
r 4 r 10 r 16 r 22 r 28 r 34
r 5 r 11 r 17 r 23 r 29 r 35
r 6 r 12 r 18 r 24 r 30 r 36
Enter the elements by columns from top to bottom,
then from left to right. The units for the translational
and rotational components of stiffness matrix
should be force per unit displacement and torque per
radian, respectively.
r1 r7 r 13 r 19 r 25 r 31
r2 r8 r 14 r 20 r 26 r 32
r3 r9 r 15 r 21 r 27 r 33
r 4 r 10 r 16 r 22 r 28 r 34
r 5 r 11 r 17 r 23 r 29 r 35
r 6 r 12 r 18 r 24 r 30 r 36
Enter the elements by columns from top to
bottom, then from left to right. The units for the
translational and rotational components should
be force-time per unit displacement and
torque-time per radian, respectively.
To enter a damping ratio that defines the ratio of
the damping matrix to the stiffness matrix, select
Damping Ratio and enter the value. If you enter a
damping ratio, ADAMS/Solver multiplies the
stiffness matrix by the ratio to obtain the
damping matrix. Do not enter a ratio without
also entering a stiffness matrix.
1 From the Main toolbox, from the Create Forces tool stack, select the Modal Force
tool .
The Create Modal Force dialog box appears.
2 In the Create Modal Force dialog box, specify the following:
Table 27. Options in Create Modal Force Dialog Box
Assign a name to the In the Force Name text box, enter the name of the
MFORCE modal force to be created. ADAMS/View
automatically assigns a default name of MFORCE
followed by an underscore and a number to make
the name unique (for example, MFORCE_1).
Specify the flexible In the Flexible Body text box, enter the name of the
body to which the flexible body. To select a flexible body or create a
MFORCE is applied new body, right-click the text box, and then select
the appropriate command.
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Apply the reaction of If desired, in the Reaction Part text box, enter the
the modal force name of an existing part. If you enter a part name,
resultant to a part ADAMS/View automatically creates a floating
marker associated with this part when it creates the
MFORCE. ADAMS/View keeps the marker
coincident with the flexible body analysis
coordinate system during the simulation. Therefore,
the need for the point of reaction to be a floating
marker.
In addition, because floating markers cannot be
defined on flexible bodies, the reaction part is
restricted to rigid bodies only.
Tip: You can use the Info command to see the
floating marker that ADAMS/View creates
when you reference a reaction part.
268 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Select how you want Select the following from the Define Using option
to define the modal menu:
force. Function - Lets you select the modal load case
and scale function of the MFORCE. Note that
you cannot select Function when defining an
MFORCE on a flexible body that does not
contain any modal load case information in its
corresponding MNF.
Subroutine - Lets you specify one or more user
parameters to be passed to the user-defined
subroutine, MFOSUB, and lets you set an unique
identification number for this particular modal
force.
To use Subroutine, you need to build a version of
the ADAMS/Solver that contains your version
of the MFOSUB routine that quantifies the
modal force. For more information, see the
guide, Using ADAMS/Solver Subroutines.
3 If you select to specify a flexible body with modal load case information, you
also specify:
Load Case - Lets you select a modal load case label from a list. The list
of modal load case labels is generated from the MNF.
Scale Function - Lets you specify an expression for the scale factor to be
applied to the modal load case.
4 Select OK.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 269
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To modify a MFORCE:
Note: When you copy a MFORCE that has a reaction part specified or as a result, a
floating marker referenced, ADAMS/View also creates a new floating
marker.
In addition, when you delete a MFORCE that has a reaction part specified,
ADAMS/View does not delete its referenced floating marker.
270 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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To review the modal preloads using the Flexible Body Modify dialog box:
1 Double-click the flexible body to display the Flexible Body Modify dialog
box.
2 From the Flexible Body Modify dialog box, select Modal ICs.
The Modify Modal ICs... dialog box appears. Preloads for the flexible body
appear in the last column.
3 Review the preloads and select Close.
Overview
Using contacts, you can go beyond just modeling how parts
meet at points and model how points on parts follow curves or
model how curves on one part follow curves on another part.
In addition, you can model how solid bodies react when they
come in contact with one another when the model is in motion.
The following sections explain more about contacts.
Working with Cams, 272
Pin-in-Slot Cams
The pin-in-slot cam defines a point-to-curve constraint that restricts a fixed point
defined on one part to lie on a curve defined on a second part. The first part is free to
roll and slide on the curve that is fixed to a second part. The curve on the second part
can be planar or spatial or open or closed. The first part cannot lift off the second part;
it must always lie on the curve. A pin-in-slot contact removes two translational DOF
from your model.
When you specify the location of the pin-in-slot on the first part, ADAMS/View
creates a coordinate system marker at that location. The marker is called the I marker.
The I marker can only translate in one direction relative to the curve. The I marker,
however, is free to rotate in all three directions.
You can use the pin-in-slot cam to model a pin-in-slot mechanism (shown in
Figure 79) or a simple cam follower mechanism (shown in Figure 80) where a lever
arm is articulated by the profile of a revolving cam.
When modeling a pin-in-slot mechanism, the pin-in-slot contact keeps the center of
the pin in the center of the slot, while allowing it to move freely along the slot and
rotate in the slot.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 273
Working with Contacts
Cam Rigid
Cam Body
part
LocationPoint
Location point
Curve
Curve
Follower
Follower part
Rigid Body
Follower
Follower Rigidpart
Body
LocationPoint
Location point
Curve
Curve
CamRigid
Cam partBody
274 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Working with Contacts
Curve-on-Curve Cams
A curve-on-curve cam (shown in Figure 81) restricts a curve defined on the first part
to remain in contact with a second curve defined on a second part. The curve-on-curve
cam is useful for modeling cams where the point of contact between two parts changes
during the motion of the mechanism. The curve-on-curve cam removes three DOF
from your model.
An example of a curve-on-curve cam is a valve lifter where a cam lifts a plate-like
object. The point of contact between the plate and the cam change depending on the
position and shape of the cam.
Figure 81. Curve-on-Curve Cam
Follower
part
Cam
part
The two curves of the cam, which you define by selecting edges in your model, must
lie in the same plane. It is possible to initially select curves that are not in the same
plane, but ADAMS/Solver moves the parts during simulation to ensure that the two
curves are constrained to the same plane of motion with respect to each other. Both
curves can be open or closed.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 275
Working with Contacts
The curves always maintain contact, even when the dynamics of the model might
actually lift one curve off the other. You can examine the constraint forces to
determine if any lift-off should have occurred. If your results require an accurate
simulation of intermittent contact, you should model the contact forces directly using
a vector force.
The curve-on-curve cam models only one contact. Therefore, if the curves have
contact at more than one point, you need to create a curve-on-curve cam for each
contact, each with a initial condition displacement near the appropriate point. For
more on initial conditions, see Modifying a Cam on page 278.
Note: Instead of defining a curve by selecting a curve on a part, you can also use a
curve element that you create to define the curve. To specify a curve element,
you can create geometry for the curve and select that geometry as you create
the cam or modify the cam to reference the curve element. For more
information, see Creating Data Element Curves on page 322.
Creating a Cam
Before creating a cam, read Tips on Creating Cams on page 276.
1 From the Joint palette, select the cam joint tool representing the cam that you
want to create. Select:
Always
Alwaysaasingle contact
single contact Multiple contacts
Multiple contacts possible
possible
Convex Curve
Convex Curve Nonconvex Curve
Nonconvex Curve
You can create more than one contact using the same curve.
It is easy to over-constrain a model using the curve-to-curve cam.
For example, in a cam-follower configuration, the cam should usually be
rotating on a cylindrical joint, not a revolute joint. If the follower is held by
a translational joint and the cam by a cylindrical joint, the curve-to-curve
cam between the follower and cam prevents the cam from translating along
the axis of rotation, which is the axis of the cylindrical joint. A revolute
joint would add a redundant constraint in that direction.
278 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Modifying a Cam
After you create a cam, you can change the curve and points used in defining the
contact, as well as specify initial conditions for the cam. The next sections explain
how to perform these operations:
About Cam Initial Conditions, 278
Note: You can also modify joint properties using the Table Editor. For more
information on using the Table Editor, see Editing Objects Using the Table
Editor on page 401.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 281
Working with Contacts
Figure 83. Constraint Modify Higher Pair Contact Point Curve Dialog Box
Change
basic
properties
Set initial
conditions
Figure 84. Constraint Modify Higher Pair Contact Curve Curve Dialog Box
Change
basic
properties
Set initial
conditions
282 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Pin-in-slot Curve Name - Curve that defines the shape on which the
point can move. You can enter a curve on a part or a curve
element. For more information on curve elements, see
Creating Data Element Curves on page 322.
I Marker Name - Point that moves along the curve.
y j (normal)
x
Curve
J floating
marker z j (binormal)
Center of
Curvature
284 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Curve- I Curve Name - Curve that defines the shape of the curve
curve that moves along the second curve (J curve). You can
enter a curve on a part or a curve element. For more
information on curve elements, see Creating Data
Element Curves on page 322.
J Curve Name - Curve that defines the shape of the curve
along which the first curve (I curve) moves. You can enter
a curve on a part or a curve element. For more information
on curve elements, see Creating Data Element Curves on
page 322.
I Ref Marker Name - Coordinate system marker that is fixed
on the part containing the first curve (I curve).
ADAMS/View uses the reference marker to associate the
shape defined by the curve to the part on which the
reference marker lies. The curve coordinates are,
therefore, specified in the coordinate system of the
reference marker.
J Ref Marker Name - Coordinate system marker that is fixed
on the part containing the second curve (J curve).
ADAMS/View uses the reference marker to associate the
shape defined by the curve to the part on which the
reference marker lies. The curve coordinates are,
therefore, specified in the coordinate system of the
reference marker.
286 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Note: You currently cannot model contact between a two-dimensional and a three-
dimensional geometry, except for sphere-to-plane contact.
The next sections explain more about using and creating contact forces:
Contact Force Algorithms, 290
Note: Contact defined between planar geometry (for example, circle to curve) must
be constrained to lie in the same plane. You usually accomplish this using
planar joints or an equivalent set of constraints that enforce the planarity.
Failure to enforce planarity will result in a run-time error when the bodies go
out of plane during a simulation.
Shell (enclosed
Elliposoid
geometry
Parasolid
Cylinder
Frustum
volume)
Curve
Circle
Plane
Point
Box
Arc
Arc
Circle
Curve
Point
Plane (Sphere
only)
Box
Cylinder
Frustum
Elliposoid
Parasolid
Geometry
Shell
(enclosed
volume)
Building Models in ADAMS/View 293
Working with Contacts
1 From the Force tool stack or palette, select the Contact Force tool .
The Create Contact dialog box appears.
2 Enter values in the dialog box as explained in Table 31 and select OK.
Tip: You can change the direction of the force on some geometry (for
example, circle, curve, and sphere) by selecting the Change Direction
tool .
Define type and To define the geometry that comes into contact:
geometry 1 Set Type to the type of geometry to come into contact.
The text boxes change depending on the type of contact
force you selected.
2 In the text boxes, enter the name of the geometry objects.
You can also select the object from the screen.
To select geometry from the screen or browse for
geometry, right-click the text box, and then select the
appropriate command.
Define an impact To define the normal force as based on an impact using the
contact IMPACT function:
1 Set Normal Force to Impact.
2 Enter values for the following:
Stiffness - Specifies a material stiffness that is to be
used to calculate the normal force for the impact
model.
In general, the higher the Stiffness, the more rigid or
hard the bodies in contact are.
Damping - Enter a value to define the damping
properties of the contacting material. A good rule of
thumb is that the damping coefficient is about one
percent of the stiffness coefficient.
Damping Penetration - Enter a value to define the
penetration at which ADAMS/Solver turns on full
damping. ADAMS/Solver uses a cubic STEP function
to increase the damping coefficient from zero, at zero
penetration, to full damping when the penetration
reaches the damping penetration. A reasonable value
for this parameter is 0.01 mm. For more information,
refer to the IMPACT function on page 582 of the guide,
Using ADAMS/Solver.
Force Exponent - ADAMS/Solver models normal force
as a nonlinear spring-damper. If the damping
penetration, above, is the instantaneous penetration
between the contacting geometry, ADAMS/Solver
calculates the contribution of the material stiffness to
the instantaneous normal forces as:
STIFFNESS * (PENALTY)**EXPONENT
For more information, see the IMPACT function on
page 582 of the guide, Using ADAMS/Solver.
296 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Placement of
contact
1 Copy the command file valve.cmd to your local directory. It is located in the
install_dir/aview/examples/user_guide directory, where install_dir is the
directory in which the ADAMS software is installed.
2 Start ADAMS/View and import valve.cmd.
3 Zoom in on the location where the cam and follower meet so that your
window looks similar to the one shown in Figure 87.
Figure 87. Zoomed Valve Cam Example
Follower (rod.Circle_1)
Cam
(.cam.GCU173)
Building Models in ADAMS/View 299
Working with Contacts
1 From the Force tool stack, select the Contact Force tool .
The Create Contact dialog box appears.
2 Set Type to Curve to Curve.
3 Right-click the First Curve text box, point to Contact_Curve, and then select Pick.
4 Select the follower geometry on the part Rod (Circle_1). For the location of
Circle_1, see Figure 87.
5 Right-click the Second Curve text box, point to Contact_Curve, and then select
Pick.
7 Select OK.
To run a simulation:
First Second
Type: Example Application:
Geometry: Geometry:
Note: Both circle-in-circle and circle-to-circle contacts use the same detection
method as sphere-sphere contacts. Circle-circle contacts, however, are used
for two-dimensional applications. Therefore, if the circles come into contact
when they are out of plane, they behave like spheres.
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Working with Contacts
Tips: You can use the following types of curves for defining two-dimensional curve
contacts:
Splines that youve created from a trace using the Create Trace Spline
command on the Review menu. For more information, see Creating a
Spline from a Trace on page 75.
Curves youve converted from polylines using the Spline tool on the
Main toolbox. Using this method, you can specify the number of
points to distribute in the curve. For more information, see Creating
Splines on page 28.
1 From the Force tool stack or palette, select the Force-Based Contact tool .
The Create Contact Force dialog box appears.
2 Enter values in the dialog box as explained in Table 33 and select OK.
Tip: You can change the direction of the force on a curve by selecting the
Change Direction tool .
306 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Define type and To define the geometry that comes into contact:
geometry 1 Set Type to the type of geometry to come into
contact.
The text boxes change depending on the type of
contact force you selected.
2 In the text boxes, enter the name of the geometry
objects. You can also select the object from the
screen.
To select geometry from the screen or browse for
geometry, right-click a text box, and then select the
appropriate command.
Set the force Set Force Display to the option you want to control the
display display of force graphics for the contact force.
You can choose not to display force graphics by
selecting None, or you could choose to display force
graphics on either one of the geometries or on both
geometries by selecting First Part, Second Part, or Both.
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Working with Contacts
1 Display the Contact Force Modify dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify
Dialog Boxes on page 420.
2 Change the options in the dialog box as desired. The options for modifying a
contact force are identical to the options for creating a contact force. For more
information on the options, see Table 33.
Note: The contact force screen icon is identical to the general force icon.
308 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 In the Create Contact Force dialog box or the Modify Contact Force dialog
box, right-click the Contact Array text box, point to Contact Array, and then select
Create.
Normal force
magnitude from
the IMPACT
function
Friction options
(optional)
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Working with Contacts
2 Enter values in the dialog box as explained in Table 34, and then select OK.
Static Friction Slip Velocity Velocity at which full value of the static friction
(Vs) coefficient is applied.
Coefficient
value
Velocity
1 In the Create Contact Force Dialog box or the Modify Contact Force dialog
box, right-click the Contact Array text box, point to the name of the contact array,
and then select Modify.
The Modify Contact Array dialog box appears. The options for modifying a
contact array are the same as the options for creating a contact array.
2 Change the parameters in the dialog box as explained in Table 34 on
page 309.
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Situation: Considerations:
ADAMS finds a solution where the Increase the number of time steps or
surfaces have penetrated too far specify the maximum integrator step. For
during a converged integrator step. information on simulation settings, see
This causes an undue reaction force Changing Solution Settings for Dynamic
from the penetrated surface on the Simulations on page 147 of the guide,
next step. Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
Penetration distance is not In most cases, you can ignore this because
accounted for in the friction the effect is minimal. If the effect causes
calculation. There is no validation issues, adjust the stiffness in the
mathematical foundation for relevant contact array to reduce the
including this effect. penetration achieved during the simulation.
Situation: Considerations:
Circles and spheres are considered Circles and spheres are considered
infinitely solid. The material is infinitely solid to prohibit the possibility of
either completely within the shape finding a solution on the other side of the
or extends infinitely out of the geometric boundary. Use the proper
shape. Planar geometry defined by inside/outside contact pair for the modeling
markers in contact have infinite situation.
depth.
Situation: Considerations:
For two-dimensional contact forces, Use closed curves when possible and build
open curves are ill-defined at open curves so that contact does not occur
endpoints. near the ends.
314 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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9 Storing and Accessing Data
Overview
Using data elements, you can create and manage the storage of
alpha-numeric information used in your model. Data elements
include arrays, curves, splines, matrices, and strings. After
creating data elements, you can reference them in the definition
of modeling objects.
Note that data elements by themselves do nothing. They simply
hold supporting data for other ADAMS elements or for your
user function expressions or subroutines. For example, you
reference matrices in the definition of a linear state equation. In
addition, a linear state equation uses arrays of variables to
define input, output, and state characteristics. You can also use
curves to create contact constraints.
The next sections explain each type of data element and how to
create them.
Types of Data Elements and Their Uses, 316
Types of Arrays
There are four types of arrays:
General/Initial Conditions - Define an array of constants used as initial
conditions for a system element or user-written subroutine.
States (X) and Outputs (Y) - Designate the state or output variable arrays
for a system element, such as a linear state equation, general state equation,
or transfer function. ADAMS/Solver, the analysis engine, computes these
values during a simulation.
To use the arrays, you reference them in function expressions. You can
reference the array as the state or output variable array of only one system
element in a model (for example, only one linear state equation or one
general state equation).
For more information on system elements, see Using System Elements to
Add Equations on page 365.
Inputs (U) - An array that groups together a set of variables used to define
the inputs for a system element. ADAMS/View computes variable values
from the specified variable data elements.
The inputs (U) and the initial conditions arrays can exist independently, and do not
need to be referenced by another system element.
Both function expressions and user-written subroutines can access the array values.
Function expressions use the function ARYVAL (ARRAY_NAME, COMPONENT) to
access the values. ARRAY_NAME specifies the name of the array, and COMPONENT
specifies the position of the desired value in the array definition.
You should note that you can only access states (X), outputs (Y), and inputs (U) arrays
in functions because the initial condition array is not accessible in the model
definition. You can access the initial condition array in a user-written subroutine. To
access all the elements of an array, call the subroutine SYSARY. To access one
element of an array in a subroutine, call the subroutine SYSFNC. For more
information on subroutines, see the guide, Using ADAMS/Solver Subroutines.
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Linear state equation States (X) array size must be the same size as the row
(LSE) dimension of the matrix used to define the state
transition matrix for the linear system.
Outputs (Y) size must be the same size as the row
dimension of the matrix used to define the output
matrix for the linear system or the matrix used to define
the feed forward matrix for the linear system.
General state States (X) size is the same as the number defined in the
equations (GSE) matching general state equation definition.
Outputs (Y) size is the same as the number of output
equations, as defined in the same general state equation
definition.
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Array, and then select either
New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Create /Solver Array dialog box appears, as shown below, and you
should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element array to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify /Solver Array dialog box appears. It contains the same options
as the Create /Solver Array dialog box shown below.
Options change
depending on
the type of array
Tip: You might find it easier to track which array element goes with which
system element if you name the array elements and the corresponding
system elements with like names. For example, the states (X) array that
goes with general state equation GSE_100 would be ARRAY_100; the
inputs (U) array would be ARRAY_101; and the outputs (Y) array would
be ARRAY_102.
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4 Select the type of array that you want to define. Refer to Types of Arrays on
page 318 for an explanation of the different array types. The dialog box
changes depending on the selection you make.
5 Depending on the type of array you are creating or modifying, enter or change
the values in the dialog box as explained in the next table, and then select OK.
Table 38. Dialog Box Options
To
Do the following:
create/modify:
General and initial 1 In the Values text box, enter the values to be stored
conditions array in the array.
2 If you want ADAMS/View to check the size of the
array, select Check Array Size.
States (X) 1 In the Correct Size text box, enter the size of the
array.
2 If you want ADAMS/View to check the size of the
array, select Check Array Size.
Outputs (Y) 1 In the Correct Size text box, enter the size of the
array.
2 If you want ADAMS/View to check the size of the
array, select Check Array Size.
The next sections explain how to define and create a curve element:
Steps in Defining a Curve, 323
Step 1: Step 2:
Create a Create a curve
matrix element element
or subroutine
Optional
Step 3: Step 4:
Create b-spline Use the
geometry curve in your
model
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Step 4: Use the curve in your model - Once youve created a curve
element, you can use it in your model.
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Controls points
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A more direct way to define the curve is to supply curve points. ADAMS/View
computes a tensioned B-spline that fits the curve points. Again, ADAMS/View
parameterizes the curve from -1 to +1. Closed curves always exactly fit the curve
points. The tension factor indicates the degree of curviness desired in the
interpolation. If the tension factor is 0, the result is a cubic spline. If the tension factor
is large, the result is nearly a polygonal line. Figure 93 shows a set of curve points and
several fitted curves with different values of tension.
Figure 93. Curve from Curve Points with Differing Tension Values
Tension = 0
Tension = 5
Tension = 100
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Curve, and then select
either New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Data Element Create Curve dialog box appears and you should
continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element curve to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Data Element Modify Curve dialog box appears. It contains the same
options as the Data Element Create Curve dialog box.
3 Accept the default name or assign a new name.
4 Assign a unique ID number to the curve element, if desired. Enter a positive
integer or enter 0 to have ADAMS/View set the ID for you.
The ID is an integer used to identify the element in the ADAMS/Solver dataset
(.adm) file. You only need to specify an ID number if you are exporting the
model to an ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you want to control the numbering
scheme used in the file, or if you are using the subroutine CURSUB.
5 Add or change any comments about the curve element that you want to enter
to help you manage and identify the element. You can enter any alphanumeric
characters. The comments that you create appear in the information window
when you select to display information about the object, in the ADAMS/View
log file, and in a command or dataset file when you export your model to
these types of files.
6 Set Closed to either no to create an open curve or yes to create a closed curve.
7 Set the option menu in the middle of the dialog box for how you want to
define the curve (either from a matrix or a subroutine). The dialog box
changes depending on the selection you made.
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8 Depending on the type of curve you are creating, enter values in the dialog
box as explained in the next two tables and select OK.
Table 39. Matrix Options
Matrix to be used In the Matrix Name text box, enter the matrix name.
To browse for a matrix in the Database Navigator or
select a matrix from a list, right-click the box, and then
select the appropriate command.
How the curve is From the Fit Type option menu, select either:
to be fit through Control Points - The matrix contains control
the points points that define a uniform B-spline based on
contained in the cubic polynomials. For more information, see
matrix data Specifying Control Points on page 325.
element Curve Points - The matrix contains a row for each
point and three columns containing the x, y, and
z coordinates of the points. For more
information, see Specifying Curve Points on
page 326.
You must supply at least four control or curve points.
Tension In the Tension text box, enter the tension factor used
with the tensioned B-spline fitting algorithm for curves
defined with curve points. For more information, see
About Specifying Open or Closed Curves on page 327.
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User-written In the User Function text box, enter the subroutine name.
subroutine to be To browse for a subroutine in the Database Navigator
used or select a subroutine from a list, right-click the box,
and then select the appropriate command.
-0.33 -38.5
-0.17 -27.1
-0.09 -15.0
0.0 0.0
0.10 10.0
0.25 30.0
0.40 43.5
0.70 67.4
Using this table, you can determine the force when deflection equals -0.33, and the
force when deflection equals -0.17. You cannot, however, determine the force
when the deflection is -0.25. To determine the force at any deflection value,
ADAMS/View creates a continuous function that relates deflection and force. The
continuous approximation is then used to evaluate the value of the spring force at a
deflection of -0.25. If you input two sets of values (x and y) using a spline data
element, you can define the curve that the data represents.
You would then use the spline data element in a function or subroutine that uses cubic
spline functions to fit a curve to the values. The curve allows ADAMS/View to
interpolate a value of y for any value of x.
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Briefly, the steps that youd perform to use the spline data element to define the force
deflections are:
1 Create the spline as explained in Using the Spline Editor on page 336 or Using
the General Method on page 347.
2 Build a simple nonlinear spring-damper, and then modify it to use the spline.
To use the spline in the spring-damper definition, under Stiffness and Damping in
the Spring-Damper Modify dialog box, change the stiffness coefficient to
Spline: F=f(defo). ADAMS/View builds a function expression for you, using
AKISPL and modeled spring length as free length.
Note: You can also use a single- or multi-component force to define the force
deflections. In this case, you would select Custom as you create the force, and
then modify the force by entering a function expression, such as:
-akispl(dm(.model_1.PART_1.MAR_4,.model_1.ground.MAR_2) - 200.0, 0.0, .model_1.SPLINE_1)
You can use the Function Builder for assistance in building the expression.
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Spline, and then select New.
The Spline Editor appears.
Figure 94. Spline Editor in Tabular Format
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Z column
2 Select Recompute if you are in plot view to see the effect of the changes. For
more information on recomputing plots, see Changing Plotting Methods and
Recomputing the Plot on page 343.
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Plotting a Spline
You can plot a spline to view curves that would be generated from the curves. In plot
view, you also have the options of:
Setting the View of the Spline Plot, 341
Note: You can change the spline plot properties, such as the color of a curve.
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To view the curve that ADAMS/View generates from the data points:
Select Spline Curve.
Hotpoints
1 Click the data point that you want to edit. Note that you must turn on the
viewing of symbols.
Hotpoints appear at each data point.
2 Position the cursor on a hotpoint and drag the hotpoint to the desired location.
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1 Select Recompute.
ADAMS/View asks you if you want to use the current values for the spline or
the ones stored in the modeling database.
2 Select one of the following:
Yes to use the values in the database.
1 Select the text in the cell that you want to cut or copy.
2 Right-click the cell containing the text to be cut or copied, and then select
Copy or Cut.
To paste text:
Right-click the cell where you want to insert the text, and then select Paste.
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Arrow indicating
more information
Resizing Columns
You can change the size of any column displayed in the Spline Editor.
To resize a column:
1 Point to the right border of the column heading that you want to resize. The
cursor changes to a double-sided arrow.
2 Drag the cursor until the column is the desired size.
3 Release the mouse button.
1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Spline, and then select
General.
4 Add any comments about the spline that you want to enter to help you manage
and identify it. You can enter any alphanumeric characters. The comments
that you create appear in the information window when you select to display
information about the object, in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command
or dataset file when you export your model to these types of files.
5 Set Linear Extrapolate to yes to extrapolate a spline by applying a linear function
over the first or last two data points. By default, for user-defined files,
ADAMS/Solver extrapolates a spline that exceeds a defined range by applying
a parabolic function over the first or last three data points. For RPC III or
DAC files, the default method of extrapolation is zero-order (constant).
6 Depending on how you are creating the spline, enter or change the values in
the dialog box as explained in the next table and select OK.
Table 42. Dialog Box Options
To create a
Do the following:
spline from:
To create a
Do the following:
spline from:
Modifying Splines
The method you use to modify a spline (Spline Editor or general method) depends on
the input to the spline.
Numerical values or result set components - If the input for the spline
data points was numerical values or result set components, then when you
select to modify the spline, ADAMS/View displays the Spline Editor
because it provides the most convenient method for directly editing values.
File - If the method of input for the spline data points was a file,
ADAMS/View displays the Data Element Modify Spline dialog box, for
you to change the file or interpolation method using the general method.
Note that because you do not always modify splines using the same method that you
used to create them, you cannot change the input to the spline data points without first
deleting the spline and making it again. For example, if you created a spline using the
result set component TIME as the x values, and you want to change the spline to
reference the result set component that defines the force on a part, you would have to
delete the spline and create it again referencing the new component. In addition, if you
defined spline data points using direct numerical values and you want to instead
reference a file, you must delete the spline and make it again using the general
method.
To modify a spline:
1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Spline, and then select
Modify.
The x and z data must cover the anticipated range of values. However, the following
situations sometimes cause ADAMS/Solver to evaluate a spline outside of its defined
range:
ADAMS/Solver occasionally approximates partial derivatives using a finite
differencing algorithm.
ADAMS/Solver occasionally attempts an iteration that moves the
independent variable outside of its defined range. If this occurs,
ADAMS/Solver issues a warning message and extrapolates the four closest
spline points. If the extrapolation is poor, ADAMS/Solver can have
difficulty reaching convergence, which may affect the results.
To avoid these problems, try to use real points, and extend spline values 10 percent
beyond the total dynamic range.
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Note: You must create additional matrix elements in your ADAMS/View model if
multiple matrices are to be read from the same file.
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Matrix, and then select
either New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Create Matrix dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 98, and you
should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element matrix to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify Matrix dialog box appears. It contains the same options as the
Create Matrix dialog box shown below.
Figure 98. Create Matrix Dialog Box
Options change
depending on
how you input
the values for
the matrix
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3 In the Matrix Name text box, accept the default name or enter a new name.
4 Select the units that you want assigned for values in your matrix. Select
no_units if you do not want units associated with the values. If you set the units
for your matrix values, ADAMS/View automatically performs any necessary
unit conversions if you ever change your default modeling units.
5 Select Full Matrix to enter all the values for the M N array.
6 Select either of the following:
To list the values in column order, select Enter Input Ordered by Columns.
To list the values in row order, select Enter Input Ordered by Rows.
7 From the next option menu, select User Entered Numbers to enter the values
yourself.
8 In the Row Count and Column Count text boxes, enter the number of rows and
columns in the matrix.
9 In the Values text box, enter the values in the matrix in either row or column
order depending on the order you selected in Step 6 above. You can separate
the values using a comma or by pressing Enter after each value.
Example: If you want to enter the following matrix of values in full format
1.364 0.000
:
0.000 0.000
3.546 4.008
0.000 0.7999
enter the following in the text boxes:
Row Count - 4
Column Count - 2
Values - 1.364, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, -3.546, 4.008, 0.000, 0.7999
10 Select OK.
356 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Matrix, and then select
either New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Create Matrix dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 98 on
page 354, and you should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element matrix to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify Matrix dialog box appears. It contains the same options as the
Create Matrix dialog box shown in Figure 98 on page 354.
3 In the Matrix Name text box, accept the default name or enter a new name.
4 Select the units that you want assigned for values in your matrix. Select
no_units if you do not want units associated with the values. If you set the units
for your matrix values, ADAMS/View automatically performs any necessary
unit conversions if you ever change your default modeling units.
5 Select Sparse Matrix to enter the row position, column position, and value for
only nonzero values.
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Example: If you want to enter the following matrix of values in sparse format
1.364 0.000
0.000 0.000
3.546 4.008
0.000 0.7999
enter the following in the text boxes:
Row Index - 1, 3, 3, 4
Column Index - 1, 1, 2, 2
Values - 1.364, -3.546, 4.008, 0.7999
7 Select OK.
358 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Matrix, and then select
either New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Create Matrix dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 98 on
page 354, and you should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element matrix to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify Matrix dialog box appears. It contains the same options as the
Create Matrix dialog box shown in Figure 98 on page 354.
3 In the Matrix Name text box, accept the default name or enter a new name.
4 Select the units that you want assigned for values in your matrix. Select
no_units if you do not want units associated with the values. If you set the units
for your matrix values, ADAMS/View automatically performs any necessary
unit conversions if you ever change your default modeling units.
5 Select either of the following:
To list the values in column order, select Enter Input Ordered by Columns.
To list the values in row order, select Enter Input Ordered by Rows.
6 To obtain the values from the results of a simulation, select Result Set
Component.
7 In the Result Set Component Names text box, enter the name or names of the
components.
8 Select OK.
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Matrix, and then select
either New or Modify.
2 If you selected:
New, the Create Matrix dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 98 on
page 354, and you should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element matrix to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify Matrix dialog box appears. It contains the same options as the
Create Matrix dialog box shown in Figure 98 on page 354.
3 In the Matrix Name text box, accept the default name or enter a new name.
4 Select the units that you want assigned for values in your matrix. Select
no_units if you do not want units associated with the values. If you set the units
for your matrix values, ADAMS/View automatically performs any necessary
unit conversions if you ever change your default modeling units.
5 Select From a File.
6 Enter the name of the file containing the matrix values and the name of the
matrix in the file. The name of the matrix is necessary even if the file contains
only one matrix. You will need to create additional matrices to read other
matrices from the same file. For more information, refer to About the Format
for Matrix Data Files on page 360.
7 Select OK.
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If the characters
Then the file format is:
are:
Note that the specifications for the format of the data file are case-sensitive.
Uppercase letters and a lowercase x must be used to indicate MATRIXx.
The second record contains only an integer n right-justified within the first five spaces
(the I5 FORTRAN format). It tells how many matrices are contained in the file. The
next several records (one or more) contain the alphanumeric names (eight characters
or less) of all of the matrices in the file. The names are listed sequentially, four to a
line, in eight-character fields separated by ten blanks. That is, the FORTRAN format
for the records containing the matrix names is A8, 10X, A8, 10X, A8, 10X, A8.
Sets of contiguous records define each matrix. Without any intervening blank lines,
the blocks of records begin immediately after the last line of matrix names. The first
record in each block contains the name of the matrix in the first eight characters of the
line. The code searches through the file until it finds the block of records
corresponding to the name of the matrix element.
The first record of the block contains the type of matrix (either FULL or SPARSE)
within the second eight spaces on the record. If the type is FULL, the next eight spaces
(from 17 through 24) contain the string CORDER or RORDER to indicate that the
values are listed by column or by row, respectively. Otherwise, if the type is SPARSE,
the space is left blank. (For more information on full or sparse formats, see Matrix
Format Types on page 352.)
The numerical values specified on the first record of the block include the:
Number of rows M in the matrix.
Number of columns N.
Total number of entries to be assigned values from the file.
If the matrix type is SPARSE, then the total number of entries must be less than or
equal to (generally much less than) M N. If the matrix is FULL, the total number
must be equal to M N.
For a matrix in the ADAMSMAT format, the values for M, N, and the total
number of entries must be right justified in the fields 25 to 29, 30 to 34, and
35 to 39, respectively.
For a matrix in the ADAMSMAT2 format, the values for M, N, and the
total number of entries must be separated by spaces.
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The final entry on the first line of the block of records defining each matrix is the
format specification for the records containing the values of the matrix. Beginning in
column 40, 41 spaces are allowed for the character string containing the FORTRAN
format specification, which must include delimiting parentheses. The lines of data
begin on the next record and continue with successive records until the code has read
into storage either M N values if the matrix is full or the total number specified if
the matrix is sparse.
Table 44. Specifications for ADAMSMAT Data File
Note: Items 4 and 5 have to be repeated n times, once for each matrix
named in Item 3.
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Note: Items 4 and 5 have to be repeated n times, once for each matrix named in Item 3.
For a full matrix, the code simply reads matrix entries sequentially from the file. If the
matrix is sparse, organize the data in triplets; ADAMS/View reads the row and
column indexes followed by the corresponding entry in the matrix. One triplet follows
another until ADAMS/View has read the specified total number of values into the
storage arrays.
If the file contains another matrix, the block of records defining its structure and
containing its values must follow immediately after the last line of data for the
previous matrix.
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1 From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to String, and then select
either New or Modify.
If you selected New, the Data Element Create String Element dialog box
appears. If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears.
2 If you selected:
New, the Data Element Create String Element dialog box appears, and you
should continue with Step 3.
Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a data element string to
modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see Navigating
Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Data Element Modify String Element dialog box appears. It contains
the same options as the Data Element Create String Element dialog box.
3 In the Name text box, enter the name that you want assigned to the string.
4 In the String text box, enter the string values.
5 Select OK.
10 Using System Elements to
Add Equations
Overview
System elements let you create one or more general differential
and/or algebraic equation that enables you to model system
components that are not as easily represented by standard
ADAMS/View modeling objects, such as parts, constraints,
and forces.
System elements are useful for modeling components or
subsystems that have dynamics of their own. You can use
system elements to represent a control system, for example, or
to model the dynamics of an electro-mechanical, hydraulic, or
pneumatic actuator. You can also use system elements to
compute simulation output. For example, you might calculate
the energy dissipated in a damper.
This chapter introduces you to system elements. It contains the
sections:
About System Elements, 366
The system
element: Defines:
State variable Scalar algebraic equation for independent use or as part of the
plant input, plant output, or array data elements.
368 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Using System Elements to Add Equations
1 From the Build menu, point to System Elements, point to State Variable, and then
select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a system
element to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify or Create State Variable dialog box appears. Both dialog boxes
contain the same options.
3 Change the name of the state variable element, if desired.
4 From the Definition option menu, select either of the following:
Run-Time Expression and enter the function expression that defines the
variable.
User Written Subroutine and enter constants to the user-written subroutine
VARSUB to define a variable.
5 If desired, select Guess for F(1, 0..) and specify an approximate initial value for
the variable. ADAMS/Solver may adjust the value when it performs an initial
condition simulation. Entering an accurate value for initial conditions can help
ADAMS/Solver converge to the initial conditions solution.
374 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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1 From the Build menu, point to System Elements, point to Differential Equation, and
then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a differential
equation to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 in the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify or Create Differential Equation dialog box appears. Both dialog
boxes contain the same options.
3 Change the name of the differential equation element, if desired.
376 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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4 From the Type option menu, select either Explicit or Implicit to indicate that the
function expression or subroutine defines the explicit or implicit form of the
equation. For more on the forms of differential equations, see Ways to Define
Differential Equations on page 374.
5 Do either of the following:
From the Definition option menu, select Run-time Expression, and enter a
function expression that ADAMS/Solver evaluates during a simulation. In
the function expression, the system variable DIF(i) is the value of the
dependent variable that the differential equation defines, and DIF1(j) is the
first derivative of the dependent variable that the differential equation
defines.
User Written Subroutine and enter parameters that are passed to a user-written
subroutine.
6 In the Initial Conditions text box, specify:
The initial value of the user-defined variable at the start of the simulation.
Optionally, if you are defining an implicit equation, an approximate value of
the initial time derivative of the user-defined variable at the start of the
simulation. (You do not need to supply a second value when you enter a
explicit equation because ADAMS/Solver can compute the initial time
derivative directly from the equation.)
ADAMS/Solver might adjust the value of the time derivative when it performs
an initial conditions simulation. Entering an initial value for the time derivative
helps ADAMS/Solver converge to a desired initial conditions solution.
7 Select whether or not ADAMS should hold constant the value of the
differential equation during static and quasi-static simulations. For more
information on holding the values constant, see Controlling Equilibrium Values
when Using System Elements on page 369.
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x = Ax + Bu
y = Cx + Du
You specify the state variables, x, the inputs, u, and the outputs, y, using array data
elements. You use a matrix data element to define the coefficient matrices A, B, C,
and D. A single linear state equation can have a maximum of 1,200 inputs, 1,200
states, and 1,200 outputs. You can develop the linear state equation, arrays, and
matrices manually or using other software packages.
The next sections explain different ways in which you can use linear state equations
and explains how to create and modify them in ADAMS/View:
Ways to Use Linear State Equations, 377
1 From the Build menu, point to System Elements, point to Linear State Equation, and
then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a linear state
equation to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Part Modify or Create Equation Linear State Equation dialog box appears.
Both dialog boxes contain the same options.
3 Change the name of the linear state equation element, if desired, and assign a
unique ID number to it. The ID is an integer used to identify the element in
the ADAMS/Solver dataset (.adm) file. You only need to specify an ID
number if you are exporting the model to an ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you
want to control the numbering scheme used in the file.
Enter a positive integer or enter 0 to have ADAMS/View set the ID for you.
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4 Add or change any comments about the equation element that you want to
enter to help you manage and identify the element. You can enter any
alphanumeric characters. The comments that you create appear in the
information window when you select to display information about the object,
in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command or dataset file when you
export your model to these types of files.
5 Enter the arrays and matrices in the next text boxes as explained below.
X State Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the state array for the linear system. The array must be a states
(X) array. It cannot be used in any other linear state equation, general state
equation, or transfer function.
U Input Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the input (or control) array for the linear system. Entering an
inputs (U) array is optional. The array must be an inputs (U) array. If you
enter an inputs (U) array, you must also specify either a B input matrix, a D
feedforward matrix, or both. The B and D matrices must have the same
number of columns as there are elements in the inputs (U) array.
Y Output Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the column matrix of output variables for the linear system.
Entering an outputs (Y) array is optional. If you enter an outputs (Y) array,
you must also specify a C output matrix or a D feedforward matrix. The
corresponding matrix elements must have the same number of rows as there
are elements in the outputs (Y) array. It also must be an outputs (Y) array,
and it cannot be used in any other linear state equation, general state
equation, or transfer function.
IC Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database that
defines the column matrix of initial conditions for the linear system.
Entering the IC array is optional. The must have the same number of
elements as the states (X) array (equal to the number of rows in the A
state matrix). When you do not specify an IC array, ADAMS/Solver
initializes all states to zero.
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A State Matrix Name - Enter the matrix data element in the current modeling
database that defines the state transition matrix for the linear system. The
matrix must be a square matrix (same number of rows and columns), and it
must have the same number of columns as the number of rows in the states
(X) array.
B Input Matrix Name - Enter the matrix data element in the current modeling
database that defines the control matrix for the linear system. The B input
matrix must have the same number of rows as the A state matrix and the
same number of columns as the number of elements in the inputs (U) array.
Entering a B input matrix is optional. If you enter a B input matrix, you
must also include an inputs (U) array.
C Output Matrix Name - Enter the matrix data element in the current modeling
database that defines the output matrix for the linear system. The C output
matrix must have the same number of columns as the A state matrix and the
same number of rows as the number of elements in the outputs (Y) array.
Entering a C output matrix is optional. If you enter a C output matrix, you
must also include an outputs (Y) array name.
D Feedforward Matrix Name - Enter the matrix data element in the current
modeling database that defines the feed forward matrix for the linear system.
The D feedforward matrix must have the same number of rows as the
number of elements in the Y output array and the same number of columns
as the number of elements in the inputs (U) array.
When you enter a D feedforward matrix, you must also include both a
Y output matrix and an inputs (U) array.
6 From the Static Hold options menu, select yes if you do not want the linear state
equation states to change during static and quasi-static simulations; select no if
they can change. For more information holding values constant, see
Controlling Equilibrium Values when Using System Elements on page 369.
7 Select OK.
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x = f ( x, u, t )
y = g ( x, u, t )
The differential equations for x , and the equations for the outputs, y, are user-defined
functions of:
Inputs, u
State variables, x
Time, t
You define the equations, differential and algebraic, using array data elements and
user-written subroutines. Note that the general state equations for nonlinear systems
are analogous to linear state equations for linear systems. A single general state
equation can have a maximum of 1,200 inputs, 1,200 states, and 1,200 outputs.
Note that a system that a general state equation defines is restricted to explicit
functions of the states and inputs. The state variables, however, included in the outputs
(U) array can be completely general. You can write general state equations that
depend on any available state variable.
The current values for the state derivatives and output arrays of the general state
equation are computed in the user-supplied GSESUB subroutine, the same as for any
other user-written subroutine. Additionally, you must provide GSEXX, GSEXU,
GSEYX, and GSEYU subroutines to compute the necessary internal partial derivatives.
For more information, see the guide, Using ADAMS/Solver Subroutines.
The next sections explain more about general state equations:
Ways to Use General State Equations, 382
1 From the Build menu, point to System Elements, point to General State Equation, and
then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a system
element to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Part Modify or Create Equation General State Equation dialog box
appears. Both dialog boxes contain the same options.
3 Change the name of the general state equation element, if desired, and assign a
unique ID to it. The ID is an integer number used to identify the element in the
ADAMS/Solver dataset (.adm) file. You only need to specify an ID if you are
exporting the model to an ADAMS/Solver dataset, and you want to control the
numbering scheme used in the file.
Enter a positive integer or enter 0 to have ADAMS set the ID for you.
4 Add or change any comments about the equation element that you want to
enter to help you manage and identify the element. You can enter any
alphanumeric characters. The comments that you create appear in the
information window when you select to display information about the object,
in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a command or dataset file when you
export your model to these types of files.
5 In the State Equation Count and Output Equation Count text boxes, enter the number
of state equations (differential variables) that are used in the definition of
x = f (x, u, t) and the number of output equations (algebraic variables) that
are used in the definition of y = g (x, u, t). There must be at least one state
equation in your general state equation. If you specify an output equation
count greater than 0, then you must specify an outputs (Y) array.
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6 Enter the arrays and matrices in the next text boxes as explained in the list
below:
X State Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the state variables for the general state equation. The array must
be an state (X) array, and cannot be used in any other linear state equation,
general state equation, or transfer function. If you specified the size of the
array when you created it, you must make its size the same as the number of
state equations you specified in the State Equation Count text box.
U Input Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the input (or control) variables for the general state equation.
Entering a inputs (U) array is optional. If you do not enter an inputs (U)
array, there are no system inputs. The array must be an inputs (U) array, and
you must also specify the Df Du Method or Dg Du Method, or both.
ADAMS/Solver infers the number of inputs to the general state equation
from the number of variables in the inputs (U) array.
Y Output Array Name - Enter the array element in the current modeling database
that defines the output variables for the general state equation. You only
need to enter an outputs (Y) array if the number of output equations is
greater than 0. Otherwise, there are no outputs for the system.
If you enter an outputs (Y) array, the array must be an output (Y) array. It
also cannot be used with any other linear state equation, general state
equation, or transfer function. You must also set the Dg Dx Method or Dg
Du Method, or both, to USER. If you specified the size of the array when
you created it, its size must be the same as the number of output equations
that you entered in the Output Equation Count text box.
IC Array Name - Designates the array data element in the current modeling
database that defines the initial conditions array for this system element.
Entering the initial conditions array is optional. If you enter an initial
conditions array, it must be of an IC array, and it must have the same number
of elements as the states (X) array. If you do not enter an IC array,
ADAMS/Solver initializes all states to zero.
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7 From the option menus, set how you want ADAMS to compute the matrices
as explained below. For more information on subroutines, see the guide, Using
ADAMS/Solver Subroutines.
Df Dx Method - Determines how to compute the matrix of partial derivatives
of the state equations with respect to the states. The possible value for this
flag is USER, meaning that you must provide a GSEXX subroutine to return
the current values of these partial derivatives.
Df Du Method - Determines how to compute the matrix of partial derivatives
of the state equations with respect to the inputs. The possible values for this
flag are USER and NONE. USER means that you must provide a GSEXU
subroutine to return the current values of these partial derivatives, and NONE
means that the state equations do not depend on the inputs.
Dg Dx Method - Determines how to compute the matrix of partial derivatives
of the output equations with respect to the states. The possible values for this
flag are USER and NONE. USER means that you must provide a GSEYX
subroutine to return the current values of these partial derivatives, and NONE
means that the output equations do not depend on the states.
Dg Du Method - Determines how to compute the matrix of partial derivatives
of the output equations with respect to the inputs. The possible values for
this flag are USER and NONE. USER means that you must provide a GSEYU
subroutine to return the current values of these partial derivatives, and NONE
means that the output equations do not depend on the inputs.
8 From the Static Hold option menu, select yes to indicate that the general state
equation states are not permitted to change during static and quasi-static
simulations. Select no if they can change. For more information on static hold,
see Controlling Equilibrium Values when Using System Elements on page 369.
9 In the User Function text box, enter parameters to a user-written subroutine.
ADAMS/View passes these values to your user subroutines.
You can define up to thirty constants that are passed to the user-written
GSESUB subroutine that determines the current values of the state derivatives
and outputs forming this general state equation. They are also passed to the
partial derivative evaluation subroutines, GSEXX, GSEXU, GSEYX, and
GSEYU.
10 Select OK.
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Transfer functions are especially useful for describing elements from control-system
block diagrams. The characteristic equation for a single transfer function can be a
polynomial of degree less than 30.
Internal to ADAMS/Solver, there is an algorithm to automatically convert the list of
fixed numerator and denominator coefficients to the following elements:
Canonical state-space form.
Set of coupled, linear, constant-coefficient differential equations.
Single algebraic equation.
You define the arrays for a transfer function using array data elements. The arrays
define the transfer function input and let you reference the states and output of the
transfer function. Initial conditions for a transfer function are assumed to be
identically zero.
The next sections explain more about transfer functions:
Understanding the Details of Transfer Functions, 387
p = [ a 0 a k, a 1 a k, , a k 1 a k, 1 ]
where array p is of length k+1. Array q is also of length k+1, padded with zeros,
if necessary. The entries in arrays p and q are labeled from 0 to k for the following
analogous transfer function:
1 k
y( s) q0 + q 1 s + + q k s
G ( s ) = ---------- = ---------------------------------------------------
-
u( s) 1
p0 + p 1 s + + p k s
k
{xy} = AC DB{xu}
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where:
p k 1 1 0 . . . 0 0 q k 1 p k 1q k
p 0 1 . . . 0 0 q p q
k 2 k 2 k 2 k
. . 1 . . . .
A= . . . . . . . B=
. . . . . 1 .
p1 0 0 . . . 0 1 q 1 p1 q k
p 0 q p q
0 0 0 . . . 0 0 0 k
C =[ 1 0 0 . . . 0 0] D=[ qk ]
Note that except in the specific case where the numerator and denominator are of
equal orders, qk = 0.
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1 From the Build menu, point to System Elements, point to Transfer Function, and
then select either New or Modify.
2 If you selected Modify, the Database Navigator appears. Select a system
element to modify. For more information on the Database Navigator, see
Navigating Through a Modeling Database on page 147 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The Modify or Create Transfer Function dialog box appears. Both dialog boxes
contain the same options.
3 Change the name of the transfer function element, if desired.
4 Enter the arrays for the transfer function in the next three text boxes as
explained below:
Input Array Name (U) - Enter the array that defines the input (or control) for the
transfer function. The array must be an inputs (U) array. If you specified the
size of the array when you created it, it must be one.
State Array Name (X) - Enter the array that defines the state variable array for
the transfer function. The array must be a states (X) array, and it cannot be
used in any other linear state equation, general state equation, or transfer
function. If you specified the size of the array when you created it, it must
be one less than the number of coefficients in the denominator.
Output Array (Y) - Enter the array that defines the output for the transfer
function. The array must be an outputs (Y) array, and it cannot be used in
any other linear state equation, general state equation, or transfer function.
If you specify the size of the array when you created it, its size must be one.
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5 In the Denominator Coefficients and Numerator Coefficients text boxes, specify the
coefficients of the polynomial in the denominator and numerator of the
transfer function. List the coefficients in order of ascending power of s,
starting with s to the zero power, including any intermediate zero coefficients.
The number of coefficients for the denominator must be greater than or equal
to the number of coefficients for the numerator. The number of coefficients
for the denominator must be greater than or equal to the number of
coefficients for the numerator.
6 Select whether or not ADAMS/Solver should hold constant the states of the
transfer function during static and quasi-static simulations. For more
information on holding state values constant, see Controlling Equilibrium
Values when Using System Elements on page 369.
7 Select OK.
11 Editing Modeling Objects
Overview
Once youve created modeling objects, you can easily modify
them. You modify all modeling objects using the same set of
tools and commands. This chapter explains how to edit
modeling objects. It contains the sections:
Selecting and Deselecting Objects, 392
1 Place the cursor over the object that you want to select.
2 Click and hold down the right mouse button.
A pop-up menu appears.
3 Point to the object name and then select Select.
The object appears with a thicker line width. If the object is a rigid body, its
hotpoints and object position handle appear on the body so that you can rotate
and position the bodys geometry.
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y y
x x
y z y z
y x y x
y z y z
y y
z x
z
x
This object z x
z
x
z x
selected even z x
though not
entirely in box
1 Press the Ctrl key and click the right mouse button when the cursor is the area
of the screen containing the desired object.
A selection box of all the objects in the area appears.
2 Highlight the desired object from the list and select OK.
Deselecting Objects
To deselect objects:
To deselect an object, click when the cursor is anywhere on the background
of the screen.
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Current objects
in select list
The current objects in the select list appear in the Select List Manager
window. Refer to the next sections for information on using the Select List
Manager to manage the objects in the list.
To add or remove multiple objects to and from the select list based on search
criteria:
1 In the Name Filter text box, enter the name of the objects that you want to add to
or remove from the select list. Type any wildcards that you want included.
2 Set the Type Filter option menu to the type of object or objects that you want to
add or remove. To display all the different object types, select Browse from the
option menu.
3 In the Scope text box, limit the scope of objects to be added or removed to
only objects belonging to a certain object by entering the name of the parent
object.
To select an object on the screen or browse for an object in the Database
Navigator, right-click the text box, and then select the appropriate command.
4 Select Add or Remove.
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To clear any object in the selected list, hold down the Ctrl key and then click
the selected object to clear its highlighting.
3 Select OK.
Cell
Row
header Set object
display
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Note: Be careful when you select a non-standard type of object because the object
information may not be appropriate for editing in the Table Editor. For
example, you can select to display information about the view layouts in your
main window, which are not appropriate for editing in table format. You may
receive error messages if you select to edit or create an object of a non-
standard type through the Table Editor.
Tip: If you do not see any objects in the Table Editor, the filter may not be set
correctly for the type of object you selected. For example, by default, the
filter for joints is set to only display revolute joints. Therefore, if you have no
revolute joints in your model, you will not see any joints displayed in the
Table Editor when you select Joints as the type of object. For more
information on setting filters, see Setting Filters for Standard Objects on
page 407.
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Tip: For more information on entering information in this text box, see Setting
Filters for Standard Objects on page 407.
4 In the Name Filter text box, enter the name of the object or objects that you want
to display. Type any wildcards that you want included. By default,
ADAMS/View displays all objects that meet the search criteria regardless of
their name. For more on wildcards, see Using Wildcards on page 161 of the
guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
Tip: For more information on entering information in this text box, see Setting
Filters for Standard Objects on page 407.
5 In the Entity type text box, enter the type of object you want displayed in the
Table Editor. To select a category of object from a list, select Select. You can
only select one object category.
6 In the Object Fields text box, select the type of information you want displayed
about the objects. To select information categories from a list, select Select.
You can select more than one category.
7 Select OK.
3 In the Scope text box, limit the scope of the search, if desired, to all objects
beneath a particular object in the database hierarchy by entering the name of
the object. Note that you cannot enter wildcards in the Scope text box.
For example, enter .model_1 to display all objects under your entire model or
enter .model_1.PART_3 to display objects belonging only to PART_3.
4 In the Name Filter text box, enter the name of the object or objects that you
want to display. Type any wildcards that you want included. By default,
ADAMS/View displays all objects that meet the scope entered in the previous
step regardless of their name. For more on wildcards, see Using Wildcards on
page 161 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
For example, enter the following to display all markers whose names start with
MARKER_2 or MARKER_3 (MARKER_20, MARKER_30, MARKER_31, and so
on).
MARKER_[23]*
5 Select the categories of information or set the type of object that you want
displayed and select OK.
Note: When you sort the Table Editor, ADAMS/View sets the values displayed in
cells back to those stored in the modeling database. Therefore, you lose any
changes that you made to cells and did not apply to your modeling database.
Note: The operations you perform with the Table Editor are not stored in your
modeling database until you apply them. For more information on applying
changes, see Applying Changes on page 418.
Copying Objects
You can create a new object by copying an existing object. ADAMS/View assigns the
new object a default name and displays its information in the last row of the Table
Editor.
To copy an object:
Creating Objects
Using the Table Editor, you can create certain types of modeling objects. For most
types of objects, you can only create an object if another object of that type already
exists in the modeling database. For example, if the Table Editor is set to display
forces but you currently have no forces in your modeling database, you cannot create
a force through the Table Editor.
You can create parts, points, and coordinate system markers, however, regardless of
whether or not an object of that type already exists in the modeling database. For
example, you can create a new marker if the Table Editor is set to display coordinate
system markers. You do not have to have an object of this type already in the database.
Note that you cannot create a joint through the Table Editor.
1 Display parts, markers, or points in the Table Editor. For information on setting
the type of object displayed in the Table Editor, see Viewing Objects in the
Table Editor on page 403.
2 Select the Create button along the bottom of the Table Editor.
ADAMS/View creates an object with default values. It displays the objects
information in the last row of the Table Editor.
1 Display the type of object you want to create in the Table Editor. For
information on setting the type of object displayed in the Table Editor, see
Viewing Objects in the Table Editor on page 403. An object of the type to be
created must already exist in the database.
2 Right-click a cell that is not selected. From the pop-up menu that appears,
select Create Object.
ADAMS/View displays a dialog box that helps you create the object.
3 Enter the values in the dialog box and select OK.
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Deleting Objects
You can delete any object in the modeling database using the Table Editor. Be careful,
however, when you delete non-standard objects, such as view layouts or interface
objects. Deleting a non-standard object may have more consequences that you are not
aware of.
To delete an object:
Note: The operations you perform with the Table Editor are not stored in your
modeling database until you apply them. For more information on applying
changes, see Applying Changes on page 418.
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Press Enter.
1 Select the cells in which you want to insert the text as explained in Selecting
Cells and Rows on page 79 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
2 In the input box, enter the text that you want to insert as explained in Entering
Text in Cells on page 415.
To quickly enter an objects full name and information field into the input box:
1 Place the cursor in the input box where you want the object name to be
inserted.
2 Select the Object Name & Field tool f(x) on the Table Editor.
3 Select any cell in the row containing the object whose name you want to
input.
ADAMS/View inserts the objects full name and field information into the cell.
For more information on building functions, see the guide, Using the ADAMS/View
Function Builder. For information on parameterizing your model, see Automating
Design Changes Using Parameterization on page 13 of the guide, Refining Model
Designs in ADAMS/View.
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Editing Modeling Objects
1 Display the type of object you want to update in the Table Editor, if necessary.
For information on setting the type of object displayed in the Table Editor, see
Viewing Objects in the Table Editor on page 403.
2 Select the cells you want to update as explained in Selecting Cells and Rows
on page 79 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
3 Enter how you want to update the cells in the input box as explained in
Entering Text in Cells on page 415. Select the Cell Variable tool to create a
variable representing the current contents of the cells.
Applying Changes
You must apply any changes you make to objects in the Table Editor before
ADAMS/View saves them in the modeling database.
To apply changes:
From the Table Editor, select Apply.
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Editing Modeling Objects
Tip: You can zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the
cursor over just that object. For more on zooming objects, see
Zooming the Model Display on page 107 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
The modify dialog box appears.
Shortcut: Double-click the object to display its modify dialog box or select the
object and then enter Ctrl + e.
Copying Objects
You can copy any selected objects within the same model. ADAMS/View creates an
identical copy of the selected object. ADAMS/View assigns a default name to the
duplicated object using the copied object name as the base name and appending _2 to
the name. For example, if ADAMS/View copies a rigid body called PART_1, it
assigns the new object the name PART_1_2.
1 Select the objects that you want to copy. For information on selecting objects,
see Selecting and Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 Select one of the following:
From the Edit menu, select Copy.
Tip: You can zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the
cursor over just that object. For more on zooming objects, see Zooming
the Model Display on page 107 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
2 From the pop-up menu that appears, select Copy.
Deleting Objects
You can delete any object that you created in the current modeling database, including
deleting a model. For more information on the effects of deleting a model, see
Deleting a Model on page 170 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
You can delete any object that has a graphical representation on the screen, such as a
rigid body or link, by selecting them first and then deleting them. You can also select
objects that do not have graphical representations by searching for them through the
Database Navigator and then deleting them.
1 Select the objects that you want to delete. For information on selecting objects,
see Selecting and Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 From the Edit menu, select Delete.
3 ADAMS/View deletes the selected objects.
Tip: You can zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the
cursor over just that object. For more on zooming objects, see Zooming
the Model Display on page 107 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
2 From the pop-up menu that appears, select Delete.
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Renaming Objects
As you create objects in ADAMS/View, ADAMS/View automatically assigns names
to them. The name consists of the type of object and a unique ID. For example, it
names a joint JOINT_1 and a motion MOTION_1.
An object also has a full name, which is the name of the objects parent followed by
the name of the object. A full name always begins with a . (dot). For example, a part
with the name PART_1 in the model SLA has the full name .SLA.PART_1.
Objects must have a unique name relative to other objects that belong to their parents.
For example, you cannot have two points named PT1 on part PART_1, but you can
have PT1 on more than one part because the full names of each point would be unique
(.SLA.PART_1.PT1 and .SLA.PART_2.PT1.)
ADAMS/View allows you to change the default name assigned to any object but you
cannot change its full name. ADAMS/View often shows you just the name of the
object and not its full name to simplify the display of objects.
1 Select the object that you want to rename. For information on selecting objects,
see Selecting and Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 From the Edit menu, select Rename.
The Rename Object dialog box appears.
3 In the New Name text box, enter the name you want to assign to the object.
4 Select OK.
426 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Editing Modeling Objects
Tip: You can zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the
cursor over just that object. For more on zooming objects, see Zooming
the Model Display on page 107 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
2 From the pop-up menu that appears, select Rename.
The Rename Object dialog box appears.
3 In the New Name text box, enter the name you want to assign to the object.
4 Select OK.
Note: You can also create a scripted simulation to turn on and off the activation
states of objects during a simulation. For example, to simulate the launching
of a missile, you can fix the missile to the plane with a fixed joint and then
deactivate the joint during the simulation to simulate the release of the
missile. For more on scripted simulations, see Performing a Scripted
Simulation on page 107 of the guide, Simulating Models in ADAMS/View.
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You can set the activation status of the following objects. All objects are active by
default.
Groups (You set the activation status of groups as you create them. For
more information, see Grouping and Ungrouping Objects on page 431.)
Parts (rigid bodies, point masses, and flexible links)
Differential equations
Markers
Constraints
Forces
Data elements
Output controls
When you activate an object, it only becomes truly active if and when all of its
ancestors are active. In addition, if you deactivate an object, you also deactivate all its
children. For example, if you have a part (PART_1) with two markers (MARKER_1
and MARKER_2), you can only activate MARKER_1 if PART_1 is also active. Also, if
you deactive PART_1, you also deactivate its markers. The following figure shows the
possible activation states for PART_1 and its markers.
Figure 103. Activation and Deactivation States for Children
To change the activation status of an object on the screen and its children:
Tip: You can zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the
cursor over just that object. For more on zooming objects, see Zooming
the Model Display on page 107 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
2 From the pop-up menu that appears, select (De)activate.
The Deactivate/Activate Object dialog box appears.
3 Set the activation of the object and select whether or not you want the objects
children to inherit the activation status of the parent.
4 Select OK.
430 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Do not use
Note: The option menu Expand Groups is only present to provide backward
compatibility. We recommend that you not use it.
2 Enter a name for the group of objects. ADAMS/View assigns a default name
for you.
3 Add any comments about the group that you want to enter to help you manage
and identify the group. You can enter any alphanumeric characters. The
comments that you create appear in the information window when you select
to display information about the group, in the ADAMS/View log file, and in a
command or dataset file when you export your model to these types of files.
432 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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Explicitly specify In the Objects in Group text box, enter the names of the
the objects to be objects. Separate each name with a comma (,).
grouped To select an object on the screen or browse for an
object in the Database Navigator, right-click the Objects
in Group text box, and then select the appropriate
command.
If you select objects to group using the pop-up menu,
ADAMS/View enters commas between the objects.
Set filters for In the Objects in Group text box, enter a wildcard and
specifying objects then specify the type of objects in the Type Filter text
to be grouped box. For example, enter Parts to include only rigid
bodies or Markers to include only coordinate system
markers.
5 Specify whether or not the group of objects is active during a simulation. You
can enter an expression that evaluates to 0 (not active) or 1 (active) or enter 1
or 0. If you do not specify a value, ADAMS/View uses the activation status
you set using the Activate and Deactivate commands as explained in Activating
and Deactivating Objects on page 427.
6 Select OK.
To ungroup objects:
1 If desired, select the object whose appearance you want to set as explained in
Selecting and Deselecting Objects on page 392. If you do not select an object,
you can use the Database Navigator to search for the object.
Shortcut: Right-click the object on the screen, point to the name of the object,
and then select Appearance.
Explicitly specify In the Entity Name text box, enter the name of the
the object whose object.
appearance you To select an object on the screen or browse for an
want to set object in the Database Navigator, right-click the
Objects in Group text box, and then select the
appropriate command. Once the name of the object
is in the text box, press Enter to update the dialog
box.
Set filters for In the Entity Name text box, enter a wildcard and
specifying type of then specify the type of objects in the Entity Type
objects whose Filter text box. For example, enter Parts to set the
appearance you want appearance of all rigid bodies or Markers to set the
to set appearance of all coordinate system markers.
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Editing Modeling Objects
5 In the Icon Size text box, enter the size you want for the icons. Note that these
changes take precedence over the size you specify globally for the modeling
database as explained in Setting Screen Icon Display on page 134 of the guide,
Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
6 From the Visibility option menu, select how you want to set the visibility of the
selected object or object. You can select:
On - Turns on the display of the objects.
Inherit - Lets the objects simply inherit the display settings from its parent.
For example, a coordinate system marker inherits settings from its parent
part.
7 From the Name Visibility option menu, select whether or not you want the name
of the objects displayed in the view window. Refer to Step 6 for an
explanation of the choices.
8 From the Color Scope option menu, enter the color you want used for the
objects and set which elements of the objects should be affected by the
selected color. You can select the following from the Color Scope menu:
Polygon Fill sets the color of those areas of a graphic that can be shaded (they
include sides of a cylinders, frustums, boxes, and so on).
Edge sets the color of the lines making up the edges of the facets of a graphic
that can be shaded.
Outline sets the color of the lines that make up those graphics that cannot be
shaded or filled like the coil of a spring damper.
All sets the selected color for all elements of an object.
To browse for a color in the Database Navigator or create a new color, right-
click the Color text box, and select Browse or Create.
436 Building Models in ADAMS/View
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9 Use the Transparency slider to set how transparent the object or objects are. The
higher the value, the more transparent the object is, allowing other objects to
show through. The lower the value, the more opaque the object is, covering
other objects.
Object
Colors
1 Select the object or objects whose color you want to change as explained in
Selecting and Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 Select a color from the Object Color tool stack.
438 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Editing Modeling Objects
1 From the Settings menu in either the main or plotting window, select Colors. The
Edit Color dialog box appears.
Displays
current color Displays
new color
Overview
ADAMS/View gives you many ways in which you can move and
rotate objects in your model. You can simply select and drag the
object to a new location or you can enter precise coordinate
locations. You can also use a variety of graphical approaches to
rotate and translate objects.
Note that if you move a part, its associated points, center of mass
icon, and geometry move along with it. If you move a point, all
parts attached to the point move accordingly.
The following sections explain how to position and rotate
objects.
Select
tool
Four of the tools on the Move tool stack are not explained in this chapter because they are
shortcuts to other operations or apply more to parameterization. Table 50 lists the tools
that are not explained in this chapter and tells you where to find information about them.
Table 50. Move Tools Explained in Other Chapters
Working Grid tool Setting Up the Working Grid on page 127 of the
guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
As you move objects using the move tools, ADAMS/View provides settings that you can
control. It provides the settings in a container at the bottom of the Main toolbox. The
settings change depending on the move operation. For example, Figure 106 on page 440
shows the values associated with incrementally moving objects. For more on controlling
settings, see Controlling Settings on page 54 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
1 Select the objects that you want to translate as explained in Selecting and
Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 Hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys.
3 Click anywhere on the selected objects and hold down the mouse button.
4 Drag the selected objects to the desired location and release the mouse button.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 443
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Ball
Stem
Y axis
Z axis X axis
The following sections explain how to use the position handle in more detail.
The position handle appears. It appears over the first point of the geometry
that you created or in the center of spherical geometry. The following
shows the position handle as it appears on a box, sphere, and translational
joint.
Figure 108. Examples of the Object Position Handle
cm
Building Models in ADAMS/View 445
Positioning and Rotating Objects
x
y
z
y y z
x
z y x
y
z xy x z xy
z
y
x
z y
z x z x x
y
Dragging the X axis stem... Moves the link parallel to its X axis
446 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Note: You can also use the object position handle to rotate an object in the plane of
the screen when one axis of the object is perpendicular to the screen.
Figure 110. Example of Rotating an Object About its Z-Axis
Tip: To gain more precise control on the rotation angles, move the mouse away
from the center of the position handle as you rotate the object. The farther
you move the mouse away from the position handle, the smaller
ADAMS/View makes the angles of rotation.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 447
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Note: You can also locate the global position handle by entering precise locations
as explained in Translating and Rotating Objects to an Exact Position on
page 451. If other objects are also selected, ADAMS/View moves them to
positions relative to the new position of the global position handle.
From the Move tool stack, select Object Position Handle tool .
The Object Handle Settings dialog box appears.
2 Select Set Handle Location and click on the screen to indicate the location for the
handle.
3 If desired, orient the axes of the handle as explained below. By default, the
orientation of the position handle is set to that of the current working grid
axes.
Select how you want to orient the handle from the Orientation Via option
menu.
Select Orientation Via and define axes as necessary.
4 Select Close.
Note: You can also delete the global position handle just as you would any object in
your modeling database as explained in Deleting Objects on page 413 of the
guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
448 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Setting center of mass of box to view Rotates box about its center
center and incrementally rotating... of mass in the view plane
Note: For another way in which to center the view, see Setting the Center of a View
on page 106 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View Basics.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 449
Positioning and Rotating Objects
1 Select the object that you want to move as explained in Selecting and
Deselecting Objects on page 392.
Rotates about
z-axis of view Rotates about the
x-axis of view
Sets pivot
point
Rotates about the
y-axis of view
Specifies
increment
Shortcuts to setting
view orientation
Note: For information on setting the view orientation using the shortcuts, see
Orienting a View Precisely on page 102 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
3 If desired, select a new view center about which to rotate the object. To select
a new center:
Select the blank box in the center of rotation arrows.
Select a point on screen about which you want to rotate the object.
450 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
4 In the Angle text box, set the amount by which you want to incrementally
rotate the object.
5 Select the appropriate rotation arrows to rotate the object. ADAMS/View
rotates the object each time you select an arrow.
Translates along
the y-axis
Specifies
increment
Translates along
the x-axis
Shortcuts to setting
view orientation
Note: For information on setting the view orientation using the shortcuts, see
Orienting a View Precisely on page 102 of the guide, Learning ADAMS/View
Basics.
2 In the Distance text box, set the amount by which you want to incrementally
translate the object.
3 Select the appropriate translation arrows to translate the object along the x- or
y- axis of the view coordinate system. ADAMS/View translates the object
each time you select an arrow.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 451
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Setting the lower box position to Moves the lower box to the location
the position of the upper box... and orientation of the upper box
If more than one object is selected or youve created a global position handle,
ADAMS/View moves the first object you selected or the handle to the specified location
and moves all other selected objects to positions relative to the first selected object or
the handle. For information on creating a global position handle, see Creating a Global
Position Handle on page 447.
1 Select the object or objects that you want to position or the object whose
coordinate location you want to display as explained in Selecting and
Deselecting Objects on page 392.
2 From the Move tool stack, select the Exact Position tool .
The settings in the container on the Main toolbox change to those for precisely
positioning objects, as shown in Figure 113 on page 452.
452 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
4 Select the object to which the locations and orientations are relative. The
coordinates are relative to the location of the objects position handle. By
default, the coordinates are relative to the working grid.
If you selected that the coordinates are relative to an object, enter the object in
the lower text box. To browse for an object or select an object from a list,
right-click the lower text box, and then select the appropriate command.
5 Select Set.
454 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
As you translate the objects you can rotate an object that you select during the translation
operation or translate all objects currently selected. In addition, you can translate a copy
of the selected objects instead of the actual objects.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 455
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Align - Rotates an object about its axis to align it with another object.
Align One Axis - Orients an axis of an object to be in the same direction as the
axis of another object. This is useful if the axis of a joint or force is defined
by a marker in your model.
Align Two Axis - Orients an object so it is the same direction as the axis of
another object and rotates the object about that axis to place a second axis
in the plane defined by the two directions.
You can rotate an object that you select during the rotate operation or rotate all objects
currently selected. In addition, you can rotate a copy of the selected objects instead of
the actual objects.
Figure 115. Example of Aligning Axes of Two Objects
Aligning the z axis of link Rotates the link about its axis
to the z axis of the cylinder... so it aligns with the cylinder.
Building Models in ADAMS/View 457
Positioning and Rotating Objects
1 From the Move toolstack, select the Align & Rotate tool .
2 In the settings container, specify the following:
To rotate the currently selected objects, select Selected.
To rotate a copy of the selected object or object, select Copy.
From the option menu, select the method you want to use to rotate or align
objects. If you selected About, enter the amount to rotate the object in the
Angle box.
3 If you did not choose Selected in the settings container, select the object or
objects that you want to rotate.
4 Follow the prompts in the status bar to select the axis or axes about which to
rotate or align the objects. Refer to Table 51 for assistance.
Table 51. Options for Rotating Objects
Align Same As Select the object to which you want to align the
already selected objects.
Align Two Axis 1 Select the first axis of the object to control (x, y,
or z).
2 Select the object to which to direct the first axis.
3 Select the second axis of the object to control.
4 Select the object towards which to direct the
second object.
Note: The objects must be in shaded render mode to mate their faces. For more
information, see Setting View Rendering on page 118 of the guide, Learning
ADAMS/View Basics.
Figure 116. Example of Aligning Faces
Faces to
be mated
1 From the Move tool stack, select the Mate Faces tool .
2 Select the face of the object to be aligned.
3 Select the face with which to align the selected objects face.
460 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
The next sections provide information on using the Precision Move dialog box:
Overall Procedure for Using the Precision Move Dialog Box, 461
3 Then, either:
If you know the destination coordinates of the objects you are moving, enter
the destination coordinates into the C1 through C3 (for translation) and A1
through A3 (for rotation) text boxes, and then select OK.
Use the Rotate and Translate dials to move the objects by incremental
values.
462 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
From the Move tool stack, select the Precision Move tool .
1 Set Relocate the to the desired object type (for example, part or marker).
2 Enter the name or names of the objects to move. You can select the object on
the screen, enter the name of the object, or browse for the object.
You can specify two options for the reference coordinate system: Relative to the or
About the:
If you specify the Relative to the option for rotations, objects rotate in place
(their locations do not change) and their rotations are with respect to the
coordinate system specified in the Relative to the text box.
If you specify the About the option for rotations, the objects rotate about the
origin of the coordinate system specified (their locations change) and the
rotations are with respect to the coordinate system specified in the About the
text box.
Translations are with respect to the coordinate system defined as either
Relative to the or the About the.
Note: If you do not enter a reference coordinate system, the Precision Move
dialog box moves the objects about the current default coordinate
system.
464 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Figure 118. Reference Coordinate System Options in Precision Move Dialog Box
Clicking a cube
moves the object
in the specified direction
Change
direction
of move
Incremental
value
Example One:
Rotate a marker (MAR2) 180 degrees relative to the y axis of the coordinate system that
MAR1 defines:
1 Set Relocate the to marker, and then enter MAR2 in the text box to the right.
2 Set Relative to the, and then enter MAR1 in the text box to the right.
3 Set the increment value to 180.
4 Click the y cube on the Rotate dial.
Figure 119. Rotating Marker Relative to Another Marker
MAR1 MAR1
MAR2
MAR2
Example Two:
Rotate a marker (MAR2) 45 degrees about the y axis of MAR1:
1 Set Relocate the to marker, and then enter MAR2 in the text box to the right.
2 Set About the, and then enter MAR1 in the text box to the right.
3 Set the increment value to 45.
4 Click the y cube on the Rotate dial.
Figure 120. Rotating Marker About Another Marker
MAR1 MAR1
MAR2 MAR2
Example:
Move a marker (MAR2) to (0, -4, -4) in another markers (MAR1) coordinate system.
1 Set Relocate the to marker, and then enter MAR2 in the text box to the right.
2 Set Relative to the, and then enter MAR1 in the text box to the right.
3 In the C1 through C3 text boxes, enter:
C1: 0
C2: -40
C3: -40
4 Select OK.
Figure 121. Moving Marker Relative to Another Marker by Precise Coordinates
MAR1 MAR1
MAR2
MAR2
Specifies
increment
Rotates objects
normal to screen
470 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Positioning and Rotating Objects
Index A-B
A-B C-D
Accessing modify dialog boxes 420
Activate command, using 429
E-F
Activating G-H
determining status of 430
objects 427 I-J
ADAMS/View standard material types 118
ADAMSMAT format 360
K-L
Adding M-N
rows 104
rows to Spline Editor 346 O-P
Aggregate mass, calculating 120
Aggregate Mass, using 120
Q-R
Align & Rotate tool
S-T
using to align objects 457
using to rotate objects 457
U-V
Aligning faces 459
Alphanumeric sorting 410 W-Z
Animations, setting level of detail for 433
Appearance command, using 434
Appearance, setting object 433
Append row to X & Y data button, using 346
Append Z Value button, using 346
Applied forces
See also Multi-component forces
See also Single-component forces
described 196, 203
472 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
C-D K-L
Calculating aggregate mass 120
M-N
Cams
contact points on 276 O-P
creating 275
initial conditions for 278 Q-R
modifying 278
tips on creating 276 S-T
types of 272
Cautions U-V
for field elements 264
for general state equations 382 W-Z
for linear state equations 378
for state variables 372
Cells
editing text in 344
entering object names into 416
entering text in 344, 415
inserting text into multiple 103, 415
modifying current contents 417
moving between 344
viewing contents of 345
Chain tool, using 49
Chaining, wire geometry 49
Chamfer tool, using 58
474 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
Chamfering A-B
creating 57
modifying 101 C-D
Changes, applying in Table Editor 418
Circles E-F
creating 25
modifying 88 G-H
Closed curves, specifying 327
I-J
Colors
creating 438 K-L
modifying 438
setting object 437 M-N
setting object element 433
Colors command, using 438 O-P
Columns
Q-R
moving between 344
resizing 103, 346
S-T
Complex geometry, creating 4956
Complex joints U-V
See also Coupler joints
See also Gear joints W-Z
described 140
working with 163171
Complexity, setting level of for geometry 433
Conditions
setting initial for motion 183
setting initial for simple joint 159
Connectors, See Flexible connectors
Constant-velocity joint
creating 153
described 147
modifying 155
Building Models in ADAMS/View 475
Index
Determining A-B
activation status of objects 430
array sizes 319 C-D
Dialog boxes
about part modify 106 E-F
displaying modify 420
using to modify geometry 81 G-H
Differential Equation command, using 375
I-J
Differential equations
creating/modifying 375 K-L
overview of 374
ways to define 374
M-N
ways to use 375
Direction O-P
overview of defining force 199
specifying for single-component force 208 Q-R
Discrete Flexible Links command, using 67
Displacements, specifying initial for motions 183 S-T
Displaying U-V
Location table 103
modifying dialog boxes 420
W-Z
object position handle 444
objects in Table Editor 404
Select List Manager 397
Spline Editor 337
Table Editor 402
Distances, measuring between markers 122
DOF, See Degrees of freedom
Dragging objects 442
Dynamic friction, adding to joints 162
482 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
E-F A-B
Edges
chamfering 57 C-D
filleting 57
Elements E-F
See Data elements
See System elements G-H
Entering mass moments of inertia for parts 112
I-J
Equations
constitutive for bushings 227 K-L
constitutive for field elements 256
for beams 246 M-N
for spring-dampers 234
for torsion springs 238 O-P
Equilibrium, controlling using system elements 369
Q-R
Exact Position tool, using 451
Examples S-T
of contact forces 297
of creating spline from trace 75 U-V
of system elements 368
of using spline 333 W-Z
Expressions, with arrays 318
Extrude tool, using 51
Extruding geometry 50
Extrusion tool, using 46
Extrusions
creating 43
limits of 44
modifying 98
Faces, aligning 459
Features, moving objects along 456
Building Models in ADAMS/View 483
Index
Forces A-B
See also Applied forces
See also Flexible connectors C-D
See also Multi-component forces
See also Single-component forces E-F
accessing tools for creating 201
defining direction of 199
G-H
defining magnitude of 198
described 196
I-J
naming convention 200
specifying direction for single component 208 K-L
Forces command, using 202
Formats M-N
for matrices 352
for matrix data files 360 O-P
Friction Q-R
about using with force-based contacts 312
adding to joints 162
specifying for contact forces 309 S-T
Frustum tool, using 37 U-V
Frustums
creating 37 W-Z
modifying 95
FSAVE format, using with matrices 360
Full format
defining matrix using 354
described 352
Function Builder, See the guide Using the ADAMS/View Function
Builder 195
Function expressions
defining for force 198
defining for motion 179
using with arrays 318
486 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
G-H A-B
Gear joint
algebraic equation for 165 C-D
creating 163
creating and modifying 166 E-F
ratio 165
Gear tool, using 166 G-H
General force vector, See Six-component general force vector
I-J
General point motion
creating 187 K-L
described 186
General point motion tool, using 188 M-N
General State Equation command, using 383
O-P
General state equations
cautions with 382 Q-R
creating/modifying 383
overview of 381 S-T
ways to use 382
General/initial conditions arrays U-V
creating/modifying 320
described 318 W-Z
determining size of 319
Geometric Modeling tool stack, about 14
Geometric Modeling tool stack, using 15
Geometry
accessing 14
adding holes and bosses to 59
chaining wire 49
chamfering 57
creating box 32
creating cylinders 35
creating extrusion 43
creating from intersection 54
creating from union of two 53
Building Models in ADAMS/View 487
Index
I-J M-N
Idealized joints
See also Complex joints O-P
See also Simple joints
Q-R
about 140
degrees of freedom removed 129
described 127 S-T
IMPACT-function-based contact, about 290 U-V
Increments, positioning objects by 448
Inertia W-Z
entering mass moments of for parts 112
modifying part 108
Information
modifying cell 417
reading from file 105
saving to file 105, 419
setting in Table Editor 407
Initial conditions
for cams 278
modifying location and orientation for parts 116
setting for simple joint 159
setting velocities for parts 113
specifying for motions 183
Building Models in ADAMS/View 489
Index
Joints A-B
See also Idealized joints; Primitive joints
adding friction to 162 C-D
Joints command, using 135
E-F
K-L
Level of detail, setting for geometry 433 G-H
Limits for planar geometry in contacts 291
I-J
Linear extrapolation, selecting in Spline Editor 340
Linear forces K-L
about specifying field element as 255
bushing 226 M-N
defining field element as 259
spring-damper 233 O-P
torsion spring 238
Linear State Equation command, using 378
Q-R
Linear state equations
S-T
cautions for 378
creating/modifying 378
U-V
overview of 377
Lines W-Z
creating 23
modifying 87
Link tool, using 40
Links
creating 40
flexible, working with 6373
modifying 97
Local coordinate systems, described 7
Location Table
adding rows 104
inserting text into multiple cells of 103
resetting 105
resizing columns 103
Building Models in ADAMS/View 491
Index
Models A-B
copying 421
tips on constraining 136 C-D
using curve data elements in 328
Modify command, using 420 E-F
Modify dialog boxes, accessing 420
G-H
Modifying
accessing dialog boxes for 420
I-J
arcs and circles 88
arrays 320
K-L
beam 249
boxes 92
M-N
bushings 231
cell information 417
O-P
chamfering 101
contact arrays 310 Q-R
coupler joint 169
curve data element 329
curve-on-curve cam 278 S-T
cylinders 93
differential equations 375
U-V
extrusions 98
field elements 259 W-Z
filleting 101
force-based contacts 307
frustums 95
gear joint 166
general state equations 383
geometry, using dialog boxes 81101
geometry, using hotpoints 80
holes and bosses 101
hollowed objects 101
joint motion 183
linear state equations 378
lines and polylines 87
links 97
494 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
Moving A-B
about tools for 440
between cells and columns 344 C-D
by aligning faces 459
objects along their axes 445 E-F
objects based on grid or features 456
objects by aligning faces 459
G-H
objects by dragging 442
objects by increments 448
I-J
objects from point to point 454
objects in screen coordinates 469 K-L
objects relative to/about coordinate system 464, 468
objects to exact position 451 M-N
objects using Precision Move dialog box, overview 461
objects, about 439
O-P
selecting reference coordinate system for 462
Multi-component forces Q-R
creating 221
described 216 S-T
displaying force graphics for 223
force equations for 218 U-V
modifying 223
shortcuts for applying to parts 220 W-Z
torque equations 219
Multiple cells, inserting text into 103, 415
Names
changing 425
entering complete in cells 416
of constraints 133
of forces 200
of parts 8
Narrowing columns in Location table 103
Nonconvex curves on cams 276
496 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
O-P G-H
Object axes
rotating objects about their 446 I-J
translating along 445
K-L
Object Color tool stack, using 437
Object position handle M-N
about 443
creating global 447 O-P
displaying 444
turning off global 447 Q-R
Objects
about selecting 392 S-T
accessing modify dialog boxes 420
activating 427 U-V
adding holes and bosses to 59
adding multiple to select list 398 W-Z
adding single to select list 397
chamfering 57
copying 421
copying in Table Editor 411
creating in Table Editor 412
deleting 423
deleting using Table Editor 413
determining activation status of 430
entering name in cells 416
filleting 57
grouping 431
hollowing 60
moving along their axes 445
Building Models in ADAMS/View 497
Index
Parts A-B
See also Flexible Links
See also Point Masses C-D
See also Rigid Bodies
building parameterization into 11
E-F
calculating aggregate mass 120
creating in Table Editor 412
G-H
degrees of freedom, about 8
ground 7
I-J
how constraints connect 132
modifying initial velocities 113 K-L
modifying part properties 106117
naming 8
M-N
setting up materials for 118
tips on creating 9
O-P
types of 6
Pasting text in cells 344 Q-R
Perpendicular axes joint, creating 172
Pin-in-slot cam S-T
creating 275
described 272 U-V
initial conditions for 278
modifying 278 W-Z
tips for 276
Pin-in-slot tool, using 275
Planar geometry and contacts 291
Planar joint
creating 153
described 146
modifying 155
Plane tool, using 34
Planes
creating 34
modifying 92
Building Models in ADAMS/View 499
Index
Resizing A-B
columns 103, 346
geometry 80 C-D
Restitution-based contact, about 290
Result set components, defining matrix using 358 E-F
Revolute joint
G-H
adding friction to 162
creating 153
I-J
described 142
modifying 155
K-L
setting initial conditions for 159
Revolution tool, using 48 M-N
Revolutions
creating 47 O-P
modifying 100
Q-R
Rigid bodies
about 10
accessing tools for creating 14 S-T
adding features to 5761
creating complex 4956 U-V
creating construction 1830
creating solid 3148 W-Z
merging geometry 62
modifying mass and inertia 108
modifying using dialog boxes 81101
modifying using hotpoints 80
types of 13
Rotating
objects about grid or features 456
objects about their axes 446
objects by increments 448
objects to exact position 451
objects, overview of 439
502 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
U-V A-B
Ungroup command, using 432
Ungrouping objects 432 C-D
Union of geometry 53 E-F
Universal joint
adding friction to 162 G-H
creating 153
described 151 I-J
modifying 155
Updating select list 400 K-L
User-written subroutine M-N
creating for motions 179
defining for force 199
O-P
using to define curve 327
with arrays 318 Q-R
Values
editing in cells 344 S-T
entering in Spline editor 344
reloading in table 418 U-V
resetting in Location Table 105
Vector, translating objects along 455 W-Z
Velocities
modifying initial for parts 113
specifying initial for curve-on-curve cam 279
specifying initial for motions 183
specifying initial for pin-in-slot cam 278
Viewing
locations of objects 467
Viewing contents of cell 345
Viscous damping coefficients, defining for field element 263
Visibility, setting object 433
512 Building Models in ADAMS/View
Index
W-Z A-B
Widening columns in Location table 103
Window Layout tool stack 301 C-D
Wire geometry E-F
chaining 49
extruding 50
G-H
Working grid, moving objects along 456
I-J
K-L
M-N
O-P
Q-R
S-T
U-V
W-Z