Dynamic part motion

Use dynamic part motion to drive the mechanism with the defined dynamic parameters and mouse movements. Clicking a point on a part exerts a spring damper force between the selected point and the mouse cursor. Dynamic part motion is a continuous simulation mode where the software performs calculations without saving them and with an undefined end time.

1. On the ribbon, click Dynamic Simulation tab Results panel Dynamic Motion .

   Available only when you are in construction mode .

   The Dynamic Part Motion panel opens, and the mechanism moves according to the defined dynamic parameters. This movement is the same motion that you see if you run a dynamic simulation from the Simulation Player and may be no motion at all.

2. On the Dynamic Part Motion panel, click Break .

   This option stops any motion caused by the defined dynamic parameters.

   Start takes the place of Break.

   Note: Every time you click Start or Break, the command changes back to the other action.
3. Click Start.

   This option enables motion caused by a force exerted with the mouse.

4. In the graphics window, click a point on a movable part and, while holding down the mouse button, move the mouse.

   The software exerts an external force on the part that is proportional to the distance between the point on the part and the position of the mouse cursor. A force vector indicates the magnitude and direction of the force. The part moves in response to this force, but only in ways allowed by the physical environment.

   During this movement, the Applied force field shows the magnitude of the force simulated with the mouse, changing with every movement of the mouse. You cannot change the value in this field in any way except by moving the mouse in the graphics window.

   Note:

   • If necessary, you can change the value in the Factor for multiplying the mouse movements text box . It increases or decreases the ratio of force applied to the distance between the point on the part and the position of the mouse cursor. By default, this value is 0.01. Like Input Grapher and Output Grapher parameters, this parameter is not available in the Parameters dialog box.
   • You also have the option of changing the maximum value for the force applied in the Force Max. text box . By default, the force cannot exceed 100 N no matter how much the distance between the application point of the force and the mouse cursor exceeds a specific distance. This specific distance is a function of the weight of the part and the multiplication factor. Like Input Grapher and Output Grapher parameters, this parameter is not available in the Parameters dialog box.
5. If motion imposed on the joint affect the action of this part and you want to stop the effect of that motion, click Suppress imposed motion . By default, imposed motions are not active in the dynamic part motion mode.

   Alternatively, if motion imposed on the joint is suppressed and you want the imposed motion to affect the action of this part, click Unsuppress imposed motions .

   Note: Every time you click Suppress imposed motions or Unsuppress imposed motions, the command changes back to the other action.
6. If you want to see the motion of the mechanism under various damping loads, change the damping.

   You can change the damping whether the mechanism is in motion or at rest.

   • Click No damping to apply no damping during the current and/or subsequent motion.

     If the mechanism is in motion, the motion changes as necessary in response to a total lack of damping.

     If the mechanism is at rest, subsequent motion reflects a total lack of damping until you change the value of the damping.

   • Click Light damping to apply light damping.

     This option applies to the current and/or subsequent motion.

   • Click Heavy damping to apply heavy damping.

     This option applies to the current and/or subsequent motion.

7. Click Break .

   This option stops the mouse from exerting a force on the mechanism. However, motion caused by any momentum or defined dynamic parameters continues.

8. To record the current position as the initial position for the joint, click Record this position as the initial one .

   Available only when the mechanism has stopped.

9. To return the mechanism to its original position and the motion caused by the defined dynamic parameters, click Restart the simulation .
10. Click Exit Dynamic Part Motion to close this dialog box.

    None of the values calculated during dynamic part motion persist unless you save a different position of the mechanism as the initial position.