Mechanism Design and Mechanism Dynamics > Mechanism Design > Creating Mechanism Models > Measures, Graphs, and Evaluation Methods > Measures > Components > Components for Planar Connection Reaction Measures
  
Components for Planar Connection Reaction Measures
A planar connection allows rotation around one axis (Z) and translation along two axes perpendicular to the rotation axis. You can measure one of the following quantities for planar connections:
Normal force—The force perpendicular to the plane defined by the two translation axes. A normal force acts to pull apart the two bodies joined by the planar connection, or force them together, depending upon the sense of the force.
Normal moment—The moment around the rotation axis (Z).
Planar force X—The X component of the force in the plane containing the connection's translation axes.
Planar force Y—The Y component of the force in the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.
Planar moment X—The moment along the X translation axis.
Planar moment Y—The moment along the Y translation axis.
When you select the planar connection and any component, a magenta arrow appears on the connection indicating the positive direction of action. Consider carefully whether this direction is actually the one for which you want the force or moment.
 
* If your model is shaded, the shading may hide the arrow. Select the Wireframe, Hidden Line, or No Hidden display option to make the arrow visible.