Model files are composed of many different parts, or entities. MotionView allows you to change the display attributes of each entity in a graphic. Visual properties such as shading, color, and
mesh lines can be assigned using the Graphic Entity Attributes panel.
The System/Assembly panel allows you to add new systems and assemblies to your model, modify attachments, and set
initial conditions and options for systems and assemblies.
The System and Assembly panel allows you to new analyses to your model, modify attachments, set initial conditions
for analyses, and set analyses options.
The Command Sets panel allows you to create command sets for the solver-command file. The command sets for a model are
order dependent, since they define the contents of the solver command file.
Use the Deformable Surfaces tool to create and edit deformable surfaces. These entities can change shape during the simulation
and can be used with advanced joints and contacts.
There are three ways in which a box graphic (or cuboid) can be defined based on the location of the graphic reference
frame about which the graphic is being created. The dimensions for the graphic are also specified using this reference
frame.
A curve graphic is created by positioning a 3D curve entity (Cartesian or parametric curve) in a reference frame (marker).
The reference frame can be an explicit marker or can be implicitly defined using a body-point-orientation method.
A graphic system entity acts similar to that of a general system entity - it is intended to be used as a container
for graphic entities, and it can be used repetitively. Like general systems, graphic systems can use attachments that
refer to entities that are external to the system - this allows you to use them repetitively by parameterizing the
body, point, etc. that are typically needed to define the graphics within the graphic system.
Use the Advanced Joints tool to create and edit a set of special constraints called higher pair joints. Typically, these are constraints
that involve a curve or surface on at least one of the two bodies.
Use the Fields tool to create a compliant connection between two bodies where stiffness or damping in one direction can be a function
of displacement in another direction
Use the Variables tool to create solver variables that can be used to create an algebraic expression of state variables, as well as
other solver variables. This can then be referenced in function expressions throughout the solver input file.
Use the Arrays tool to create solver arrays and set solver array data. Solver array types include X array, Y array, U array, IC
array, Plant Input array, and Plant Output array.
Use the Strings tool to create a solver string and set solver string data. A solver string provides a string that can be accessed
within the model, for example, to pass into a user subroutine.
Use the Diff Equations tool to set solver differential equations. These equations can be used to add additional states to the mechanical
system being modeled.
If the Graphics panel is not currently displayed, select the desired graphic by
clicking on it in the Project Browser or in the modeling window.
The Graphics panel is automatically displayed.
From the Connectivity tab, select an outline graphic type.
Click the collector and select the marker, body, point, polybeam, or advanced
joint associated with the graphic.
Click the Properties tab.
Note: The Properties tab only becomes available if you select Marker or
Body/Point.
Click Append to add additional markers, bodies, and
points to define the graphic.
Tip: Delete entities by selecting their respective check boxes and
clicking Delete.
Define the appended entities by clicking the collector and making your
selection in the modeling window, or double-click the
collector to display the Model Tree (from which the
desired entity can be selected).