Set initial positions

After you define a standard joint , you can set and edit the initial conditions of each degree of freedom in the joint.

1. In the Dynamic Simulation browser, right-click the standard joint and select Properties.
2. On the Properties dialog box, click the DOF tab for the degree of freedom on which you want to set initial conditions.
   Note: There is a DOF tab for each degree of freedom in the joint. Each tab has a title consisting of "DOF," the number identifying that degree of freedom, and a T (for translational) or an R (for rotational) in parentheses.

   The Edit initial conditions screen appears by default.

3. On the Set initial conditions dialog box, click Locked if you want this degree of freedom to remain in this position throughout simulation .

   You can change the value in construction mode without having to unlock it, but the value stays constant during the calculations.

   The fields in the Bounds group are unavailable if you lock the position.

4. If you know the initial velocity, enter it in the Velocity box.
5. If you want the software to calculate the velocity, click Computed.

   If you click Computed, the Velocity box becomes disabled and the software ignores any value in the box.

6. If you do not lock the position and want to see results only for certain initial positions of this degree of freedom, click Bounds.

   Follow the steps below to set the bounds.

7. If you want to set minimum values for the initial position value, stiffness , damping , or any combination of the three, click Min.

   For the minimum of the value, stiffness, and damping:

   • If you want to set a constant value, enter it in the Value text entry box.

     Constant value is the default.

   • If you want to set a value that varies during simulation, click at the right of the box to show the data definition menu and select Input Grapher .

     The Input Grapher icon appears in the box.

   • Click the Input Grapher icon to open the dialog box, and use the Input Grapher to create a curve that defines the value as it varies.
8. If you want to set maximum values for the initial position value, stiffness, damping, or any combination of the three, click Max.
9. Repeat step 7 for maximum values.

Show Me how to edit the initial position of a mechanism

Show Me how to lock the degrees of freedom of a joint