To Run Analyses in Mechanism Dynamics
You can run the following analyses if you have a Mechanism Dynamics option license:
• Kinematic—Use a kinematic analysis to follow the motion of your model as imposed by servo motors. You can choose which servo motors to use during an analysis and specify their start and end times during the analysis. If you are only interested in the motion of a portion of your model, you can use the rigid body-locking or connection-locking options on the Preferences tab of the Analysis Definition dialog box to eliminate some of the allowed degrees of freedom. You can use a kinematic analysis to evaluate position, velocity, and acceleration of points or motion axes in your mechanism.
• Dynamic—Use a dynamic analysis to analyze the motion generated by applied loads, servo and force motors, and gravity. You can turn force motors on and off during a dynamic analysis, but servo motors, if included, are active for the duration of the analysis. Mechanism Dynamics does not include geometric servo motors in dynamic analysis.
The information you enter on the Preferences tab of the Analysis Definition dialog box is not used to calculate time intervals for a dynamic analysis. These values only change the graphical display. To change the accuracy of the dynamic analysis, use the Settings command.
• Static—Use a static analysis to find the stable, equilibrium position for your mechanism. You can use this analysis to find a stable configuration before setting your mechanism in motion. Servo motors cannot be used in a Static analysis.
• Force balance—Use a force balance analysis when you want to find the balancing force necessary for your model to remain motionless. This analysis is useful if your model contains applied forces and you want to bring it to a static equilibrium state. After you run this analysis, you can obtain the magnitude of a force applied at a specified point in a specified direction that will keep your mechanism motionless. You can also obtain the connection or motor reaction force necessary to maintain an equilibrium state.
• Position—Use a position analysis to determine whether your mechanism can assemble under the requirements of the applied servo motors and connections. You can specify which servo motors are active, and their start and stop times. You can also lock rigid bodies or connections. You might use a position analysis as a first step in your design process to locate interference or points where the assembly analysis fails.