Using the Force Arrow
In the 3-D Playback Window you can depict the force acting on a specific component by using the Force Arrow. When you play a tracking animation in the perspective view or one of the orthographic views, the Force Arrow points in the direction of the force and the length changes to represent the force magnitude.
The Force Arrow connects in parallel with the multibody Force and Moment sensor, which connects in series with the through variable force components. The location of the Force and Moment sensor allows you to focus on the target force that you want to analyze. Depending on the input from the sensor, the Force Arrow can be configured to show translational force or torque. The placement of the Force Arrow frame_a output in your model defines the base position for the Force Arrow in the 3-D visualization. For more information on the Force Arrow, see Force Arrow.
Note: You must simulate your model before playing an animation.
The following example shows a typical use of a Force Arrow and Force and Moment sensor.
To animate your 3-D model with the Force Arrow:
Construct a simple model, such as the Rigid Body Frame and Revolute example shown above.
Click Show 3-D Workspace ( ) in the main toolbar to open the 3-D Workspace.
Expand the 3-D View Controls ( ) and select Perspective View ( ) to switch to the perspective view.
Click Always-On-Top ( ) to keep the 3-D Workspace visible.
Under the Library Components tab on the left side of the MapleSim window, expand the Multibody > Visualization menu and add the Force Arrow ( ) to the workspace.
From the Multibody > Sensors palette, add the Force and Moment sensor ( ) to the workspace.
Connect the Force and Moment sensor in series with the Revolute and Rigid Body Frame as shown in the above example.
Connect the Force Arrow force input to one of the sensor outputs. In the above example the force input connects to the Force and Moment translational force output.
Connect the Force Arrow frame_a output to a component port. In the above example frame_a connects to the Rigid Body Frame input.
Run the simulation.
Click Show Simulation Results ( ).
In the Simulation Results tab, select the 3-D Playback Window.
Click Play ( ). Throughout the playback the Force Arrow appears on the base of the Rigid Body Frame, showing the instantaneous translational force at that point.
To hide or display the Force Arrow:
From the Playback Toolbar, select Show/Hide Forces ( ).
See Also
Force and Moment Sensor
Force Arrow
Playing a Tracking Animation
Toolbar: 3-D Toolbar
Toolbar: Playback Controls
Torque Arrow
Using the Torque Arrow
Visualizing a 3-D Model
Download Help Document
