By default, opening a product assembly in xMotion Design results in the creation of:
- a Motion Simulation
object in the tree
- a mechanism (if no mechanism is included in the product assembly)
- an analysis case
- a dynamics analysis step with default settings
The mechanism and analysis case are set as current. They are highlighted in the tree.
Simulation Elements
In the tree, the Model
node is linked to a
physical product that can include one or more mechanisms. Each mechanism contains a motion
model definition including mechanism elements, such as bodies, joints, drivers, or machine
elements.
The Scenario
node includes one
or more analysis cases, each made of one or several analysis steps. An analysis case is
linked to a mechanism. Use the analysis steps to specify computation parameters for a
mechanism, and to define kinematics or dynamics motions during the simulation.
The Results
node lets you
display the results of the computed simulations using plots. You can also replay the
animation of analysis steps or export the animation to replay it in another app.
Kinematic and Dynamic Simulations
You can simulate a mechanism motion to predict its behavior and analyze the simulation
results. You can perform two types of simulations: kinematic simulations and dynamic
simulations.
Kinematic simulations compute the motion of the bodies included in the mechanism and
according to the mechanism connections. The simulation considers the following mechanism
properties:
- Element positions
- Element orientations
- Velocities (translational and rotational)
- Accelerations (translational and rotational)
Note:
A kinematic simulation does not consider applied forces or external
forces.
Dynamic simulations compute the motion of the bodies included in the mechanism according to
the mechanism connections, as well as according to the following elements:
- Applied forces (external forces)
- Torques
- Gravity
- Body mass and inertia
- Inertia forces and torques
A dynamic simulation associates forces and torques to accelerations.
Mechanism Update
Before previewing the animation of a mechanism or computing a mechanism simulation, make
sure that the mechanism is up-to-date and solved.
- For a mechanism generated from an assembly and updated according to the assembly,
perform an update of the assembly before launching the calculation.
- For a new or modified mechanism, solve the mechanism to ensure its consistency before
launching the calculation.