Visualizing a 3-D Model
A three-dimensional model contains one or more Multibody components. To see a 3-D graphical representation of your multibody model, select the 3-D Workspace tab in the Analysis window where you can see a rendering of your model and optionally build your multibody model. To play 3-D animation of your simulation, access the 3-D Playback Window in the Simulation Results tab of the Analysis window where you can view the motion of your model.
3-D Workspace
Select the 3-D Workspace tab in the Analysis window to access the 3-D Workspace. In the 3-D Workspace you can:
Build a complete model in three-dimensional space.
Browse your 3-D model from all directions in three-dimensional space.
Add shapes and lines, including geometry imported from an external CAD file, to create a realistic-looking representation of your model.
Define individual forces acting on specific model components.
To access the 3-D Workspace:
From the View menu, select Show 3-D Workspace... The Analysis window opens with the 3-D Workspace tab selected. Alternatively, from the MapleSim main toolbar, click Show 3-D Workspace ( ).
Notes:
You can build a multibody model by adding and connecting components in the model workspace or in the 3-D Workspace. Changes made to one view are automatically reflected in the other view. To drag multibody components from the Library Components tab to the 3-D Workspace, put the 3-D Workspace beside the main MapleSim window, and then drag the desired component to the 3-D Workspace.
To keep the 3-D Workspace visible while you are building your model, click Always-On-Top ( ). This allows you to add multibody components to the Model Workspace and at the same time see the 3-D visualization of your model in the 3-D Workspace.
3-D Playback Window
The 3-D Playback Window is found in the Simulation Results tab of the Analysis window. After you simulate a model that contains multibody components, you can view a 3-D animation of your model using the Playback controls. In the 3-D Playback Window you can:
View your 3-D model from all directions and for any component in three-dimensional space.
Control animation and playback options to focus on the motions of specific model components.
Jump to a specific time in the simulation.
Increase or decrease the animation playback speed.
Change the direction of playback to either forward or reverse.
Analyze individual forces acting on specific model components.
See the behavior of your model under different initial conditions and at different simulation start times by using the Snapshot feature.
To access 3-D Playback Window:
First, simulate your model. When the simulation finishes, click Show Simulation Results ( ). The Analysis window comes into focus, with the Simulation Results tab selected. The Simulation Results tab includes both simulation plots and the 3-D Playback Window.
From the View menu, select Show Simulation Results... Alternatively, from the MapleSim main toolbar, click Show Simulation Results ( or ).
Tip: If the playback window is not visible, double-click 3-D Playback Window in the Plot Windows palette in the left pane of the Simulation Results tab to view it.
For more information on visualizing a 3-D model, see Chapter 4: Simulating and Visualizing a Model in the MapleSim User's Guide.
See Also
Adding Attached Shapes from an External File
Adding Attached Shapes from the MapleSim Component Library
Analysis Window
Exporting a Movie
Fit Animation
Fit Scene
Multibody Overview
Playing an Animation
Playing a Tracking Animation
Running a Simulation
Taking a Snapshot
Toolbar: 3-D Toolbar
Toolbar: Playback Controls
Using a Snapshot in a Simulation
Using the Force Arrow
Using the Torque Arrow
Download Help Document
