Define Rigid Body Motion

Use the Rigid Body tool to simulate the dynamic motion of a body under the influence of forces and moments.

1. From the Motion ribbon, Direct tools, click the Rigid Body tool.

   
   
   Figure 1.

2. Select surfaces and/or solids.
   Use the guide bar selectors to filter which entity type you can select.
3. On the guide bar, click DOF.
4. Left-click on the model body to position the local coordinate system.
   Tip: Use snap points to position the triad on existing points, lines, surface centers, etc.

   Reposition the coordinate system by left-clicking on a new point or entering center coordinates in the dialog.

5. In the dialog, define mass, external forces, external moment, and initial conditions.
6. Define translational motion and stiffness/damping effects.
   1. Click the translation arrow on the triad widget in either of the three direction.

      
      
      Figure 2.

   2. Optional: In the dialog, disable the Active option to freeze (deactivate) translational motion in that direction.
   3. Define stiffness and damping effects.
   4. Press Esc.
7. Define rotational motion and stiffness/damping effects.
   1. Click the rotation arrow on the triad widget in either of the three direction.

      
      
      Figure 3.

   2. Optional: In the dialog, disable the Active option to freeze (deactivate) rotational motion in that direction.
   3. Define stiffness, damping, and dyadic effects.
   4. Press Esc.
8. From the guide bar, execute the command in the following ways:
   • Click to confirm your selection and remain in the tool.

     This allows you to continue creating instances and helps you visualize and edit instances with the legend.

   • Click to confirm your selection and exit the tool.