Supplemental

Adams Tutorial Kit

for Design of Machinery
Course Curriculum
II | MSC Software
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Introduction
Dear Professors, Department Chairs, and Deans,
We have received many questions from undergraduate and graduate level mechanical
engineering students in recent years, and probably the most common one is:
Are there any Adams tutorials that I can use to help me learn the software?
Adams is the leading multibody dynamics simulation software used extensively by engineers
in product development within Automotive and other Industrial sectors worldwide to assess
system performance using computer models before investing in physical prototypes.
Companies in the manufacturing industry tell us that multibody dynamics simulations within
their engineering departments will increase by 3-5x over the next three years. These same
companies tell us they have difculty nding and hiring trained engineers coming out of
universities today with Adams experience.
This is a problem we would like to collaborate with you to solve.
The enclosed Adams tutorial package is designed as a supplemental curriculum kit
for undergraduate Mechanical Engineering courses, including Design of Machinery,
Dynamics, Vehicle Dynamics, and Mechanical Design.
There are 26 examples in this Adams tutorial package, including some simple problems
like four-bar linkage, spring-damper system, and also some real industrial examples like
Open differential or Gear Train System, which are created based on a new powerful set of
simulation modules in Adams called Adams/Machinery.
Several examples were developed from specic textbook problems, for example, the four
problems in section III were developed in reference to the textbook Design of Machinery
(Fifth Edition) by Robert L. Norton.
We are asking you to use this Adams tutorial package as supplemental learning material
for the aforementioned courses in your mechanical engineering program today, as a way to
further develop the skills of your students in engineering simulation, and to prepare them for
engineering careers in the future.
We are committed to continuing the development of this supplemental curriculum package.
If you have any questions or requests for us, please contact [email protected].
Enjoy,
Adams team at MSC Software
Company Overview Brochure | III MSC Software | III
Introduction & Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Section I: Beginners Level 5
Example 1: Falling Stone 6
Example 2: Inclined Plane 12
Example 3: Lift Mechanism - Geometry 22
Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation 28
Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum 36
Example 6: Projectile Motion 44
Example 7: Spring Damper - Part 1 50
Example 8: Spring Damper - Part 2 56
Example 9: Suspension System 1 62
Example 10: Suspension System 2 70
Example 11: Four Bar Velocity 76
Example 12: Cam-Follower 80
Example 13: Crank Slider 86
Example 14: Controls Toolkit in ADAMS/View 92
Section II: Intermediate Level 97
Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism 98
Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve 106
Section III: Textbook Problems 117
Section IV. Adams/Machinery Applications 119
4 | MSC Software
Company Overview Brochure | 5 MSC Software | 5
This section introduces you the fundamentals of Adams/View
with 14 examples. No previous Adams experience is needed to
go through this section and detailed guidance is given for each
example. You are encouraged to work through this section in
sequential order. In this Beginners level, you will learn:
How to create bodies
How to connect bodies with joints
How to create motions
How to measure displacement, velocity or acceleration
How to view results
Section I: Beginners Level
6 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Find the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of a stone after
one second, when the stone with zero initial velocity, falls under the
inuence of gravity. Note: If you need assistance on a step, just click
on it for more information. Note: Click on images to enlarge.
Example 1: Falling Stone
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 7 MSC Software | 7
Step 2. Build the Stone
a. From the Main Toolbox, right-click the Rigid Body tool
stack, and then select the Sphere tool.
b. Put a check on Radius and set the radius to 5.0cm.
Step 3. Renaming the Stone.
To use the zoom Box shortcut:
a. First right click on the Stone then choose
Part:PART_2 and click Rename.
b. For the New Name type in .Falling.Stone.
c. Choose Field Info and click Validate.
d. Click OK for Field validation was successful and click
OK again.
Step 1. Create a New Adams database.
a. Click on Create a new model.
b. For the Model name change it to Falling_Stone.
c. For the Gravity choose Earth Normal (-Global Y).
d. For the Units, set it to MMKS - mm,kg,N,s,deg.
e. Then click OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 1: Falling Stone
8 | MSC Software
Step 4. Set Mass to 1 kg
a. Right-click the sphere, point to Part:Stone, and then
select Modify.
b. Choose User Input on the drop down selection for
Dene Mass by.
c. Type 1.0 for the Mass and click OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 9 MSC Software | 9
Step 5. Calculate the
Displacement of the Stone
a. Right-click on the Stone and choose Part:Stone and
then click on Measure.
b. In the Measure Name text box, enter Displacement
for the Characteristic, enter CM position for the
Component, choose Y. Make sure that Create Strip
Chart is Checked then click OK.
c. A measure stripchart appears. It is empty because you
need to run a simulation before Adams/View has the
necessary information for the stripchart.
d. For more Measurements follow the instructions above
and set Measure Name to Velocity, Acceleration,
and Characteristic to CM acceleration.
Step 6. Verify the Model.
a. In the right corner of the Status bar, right-click the
Information tool stack, and then select the Verify tool.
b. In the Information window, check that the model has
veried Successfully, then click Close.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 1: Falling Stone
10 | MSC Software
Step 7. Set up and Run a Simulation
a. Select the Zoom tool, and then click and drag the
mouse to the zoom out until the entire working grid is
visible. Screen click the surface. Click Apply.
b. Select the Translate tool, and then drag the working
grid to the top of the screen.
c. In the Main Toolbox, select the Simulation tool.
d. In the End Time text box, enter 1.0 and in the Steps
text box, enter 50.
e. Select the Play tool and when the simulation ends,
reset the model by selecting the Reset tool.
Step 8. Results
a. To nd the Stones Displacement after 1 second, rst
right-click the blank area inside the stripchart, then
choose Plot:scht1 then click on Transfer To Full
Plot.
b. In Adams/Postprocessor, from the main toolbar, select
the Plot Tracking tool.
c. Because you want to know the nal conditions after
1 second, move the cursor over the end point of the
plot. In the area below the menu bar, the value of X is
displayed as 1. Note the value of Y is -4903.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 11 MSC Software | 11
Analytical Solution Verify the results
by calculating the analytical solution.
a. To nd the distance, use y = - (1/2) gt2
b. Substitute: g = 9810 mm/s2 , t= 1 s, in the above
equation.
c. Results: y = - 4905
d. The results produced by Adams View is - 4903, this
shows that the stone is traveling 4903 mm in the
negative y direction. The hand calculated answer
and the Adams/View generated answer has a 0.04%
difference.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 1: Falling Stone
12 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Find the minimum inclination that will ensure that a crate slides off an
inclined plane, the plane has dimensions of 50 in. by 8 in. by 2 in and
the crate has dimensions of 12 in. by 8 in. by 4 in. and has a mass of
100 lbs. The coefcient of static friction (s) is 0.3 and the coefcient
of dynamic friction (d) is 0.25 and gravity is 32.2 ft/sec2. Note: If you
need assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note:
Click on images to enlarge.
Example 2: Inclined Plane
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 13 MSC Software | 13
Step 2. Adjust the Working Grid.
a. From the Settings menu, select Working Grid.
b. Set Spacing to 1 in. in the x and y direction.
c. Make sure that the working grid is oriented along the
Global XY direction (default setting when you open
Adams/View). The Set Orientation pull-down menu
allows you to choose Global XY, YZ, XZ, or custom
orientation. Click Apply and OK.
Step 1. Create a New Adams database
a. To import a le.
b. Click on Create a new model.
c. Under Start in, browse to the folder where you want to
save your model.
d. Type the name of the new Model name as inclined_
plane and click OK.
e. Make sure that the Gravity is set to Earth Normal
(-Global Y) and the Units is set to IPS - inch, lbm, lbf, s,
deg.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 2: Inclined Plane
14 | MSC Software
Step 3. Constructing the Geometries
of the Plane and Crate.
a. To create the plane, right-click on the Rigid Body icon
and select Rigid Body: Box.
b. Make sure On Ground is selected and enter (50 in) for
the Length, (3 in) for the Width, and (8 in) for the Depth.
c. Make sure that the Length, Width, and Depth are all
checked. Then click on the center of the coordinate
plane and hit Enter to create the plane.
d. To create the crate, right-click on the Rigid Body icon
and select Rigid Body: Box.
e. Make sure New Part is selected and enter (12 in) for
the Length, (4 in) for the Width, and (8 in) for the Depth.
Also make sure that the Length, Width, and Depth are
all checked. Then position the crate near the end of the
ramp as shown.
Step 4. Rename the Crate and Ramp
Geometry and Assign Physical
Properties to the Objects
a. Right-click on the large box (plane), point to Block:
BOX_1, and then select Rename.
b. Enter Ramp, under New Name, and click Apply and
OK.
c. Right-click on the smaller box (Crate), point to Block:
BOX_2, and then select Rename.
d. Enter Crate, under New Name, and click Apply and OK.
e. Enter the mass of the crate by right-clicking on crate
and going to Part:Crate, and then selecting Modify.
f. Set Dene Mass By to User Input and in the Mass text
box, enter 100 lbm. Click Apply and OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 15 MSC Software | 15
Step 5. Set the Models Inclination Angle.
a. Then under Orientation, input 15,0,0 and click Apply
and OK.
b. Input Top Conv as the New Set Name, set the Target
Element Type to 2D, and then click on Input Data.
c. Under the Move tool stack, select the Align & Rotate
tool.
d. Under Angle, input 15 and press Enter. Then click on
the crate to select it as the object that will be rotated.
e. Now select the Z-axis of MARKER_1 (MARKER_1.Z) as
the axis of rotation. It may be easier to rotate the view
slightly to select the Z-axis.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 2: Inclined Plane
16 | MSC Software
Step 6. Adding Constraints on the Model.
a. To create a translational joint between the ramp and
the crate, rst go right-click on the Joint tool stack, and
then select the Translational Joint tool.
b. Then select 2 Bod-1 Loc and choose Pick Feature.
c. Then proceed to select the bodies to be constrained by
clicking on the crate, then the ramp.
d. Then for location choose Crate.MARKER_2 and then
MARKER_2.X with the vector point up the ramp.
Step 7. Taking Measurements for the
Crates Acceleration Along the Ramp
a. Right-click on the crate and go to Part:Crate and then
Measure.
b. Under Characteristic select CM acceleration, under
Component select X.
c. Under Represent coordinates in: right-click in the
gray area and select Marker, then Guesses and then
MARKER_1. Alternatively, you can select Pick and then
select MARKER_1 in the geometry, which is the corner
point at the bottom of the ramp.
d. Click Apply and OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 17 MSC Software | 17
Step 8. Verify the Mechanism
a. To verify the mechanism, simulate the model by clicking
on the calculator icon for 1 second and 50 steps.
b. Find the value of the crates constant acceleration and
verify it by checking Without friction in the Closed-form
solution and making sure the values match.
Step 9. Refine the model and
Add Friction and Simulate
a. Display the joints modify dialog box by right-clicking
on the translational joint and pointing to Joint:JOINT_1,
and then select Modify.
b. In the lower right corner of the Modify dialog box,
select the Friction tool.
c. Fill in the coefcients of friction (0.3 for the coefcient
of static friction and 0.25 for the coefcient of dynamic
friction) and leave the remaining friction parameters at
their default values.
d. In the Input Forces to Friction section, clear the
selection of Bending Moment and Torsional Moment.
Click OK on both windows.
e. Simulate the model and note if the create slides off the
ramp.
f. Then right-click on the curve in the stripchart, and then
select Save Curve.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 2: Inclined Plane
18 | MSC Software
Step 10. Refine the Model
Again by Changing the Ramps
Rotation Angle to 20.
a. From the Build menu, select Group and New.
b. Make a group, named rotated_objects, containing: the
crate, the joint, and all of the geometry on the ramp
(including the markers but not the ground), by right
clicking in the Objects In Group text box and going to
All and then Browse.
c. This should bring up the Database Navigator, here
select the Crate, MARKER_1, MARKER_4 and JOINT_1
(hold CTRL to select multiple entities) and then click OK
on both boxes.
d. Now you can rotate the group, by going to the Main
Toolbox, and from the Move tool stack, select the
Precision Move tool .
e. In the text box to the right of Relocate the, enter the
group name, rotated_objects. Then click OK on the
Database Navigator window.
f. Set the menus in the second row to About the and
marker.
g. In the text box to the right of these menus, enter
MARKER_1. The Precision Move tool rotates objects
in increments about a specied axis of the marker you
just selected.
h. In the Plus/Minus text box, enter 5.
i. Select the Z-axis box. Note that you can select the
axis box (X, Y, or Z) to rotate a group to the desired
orientation. Now, click Close.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 19 MSC Software | 19
Step 11. Find the Inclination Angles
at which the Crate Starts to Slide.
a. Simulate the model and note of the crate slides off
the ramp. For an end time of 0.5 seconds, verify that
the create acceleration vs. time graph matches the
adjoining gure.
b. Through trial and error, nd the approximate angle at
which the crate starts to slide off the ramp. Save the
curve in the graph plot and compare your results using
Adams/PostProcessor.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 2: Inclined Plane
20 | MSC Software
Analytical Solution
MD ADAMS Simulation Results:
At = 15, a = 0
At = 20, a = -41.35 in/sec2.
Max Angle for Crate to Slip (max) = 16.8. a = -19.19 in/
sec2.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 21 MSC Software | 21
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 2: Inclined Plane
22 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Create the geometry of the Lift Mechanism and then set the
constraints of the model and then simulate the model. Note: If you
need assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note:
Click on images to enlarge.
Example 3: Lift Mechanism - Geometry
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 23 MSC Software | 23
Step 2. Adjust the Working Grid.
a. From the Settings menu, select Working Grid.
b. Set the Size in the X direction to 20 m and the Size
in the Y direction to 20 m and the Spacing in the x
and y direction to 0.5 m. Since the grid is in meters you
will probably need to zoom out to see it.
c. Make sure that the working grid is oriented along the
global XY direction (default setting when you open
Adams/View). The Set Orientation pull-down menu
allows you to choose Global XY, YZ, XZ, or custom
orientation. Click Apply and OK.
Step 1. Create a New Adams database
a. To import a le.
b. Click on New model.
c. Under Working Directory, browse to the folder where
you want to save your model.
d. Type the name of the new Model name as lift_mech
and click OK.
e. Make sure that the Gravity is set to Earth
Normal (-Global Y) and the Units is set to MKS -
m,kg,N,s,deg.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 3: Lift Mechanism - Geometry
24 | MSC Software
Step 3. Create the Geometry of the
Lift Mechanism: Create the Base
a. Create the geometry of the lift mechanism based on
the dimensions on the diagram. For a challenge try to
recreate the Lift Mechanism yourself and only use this
guide if you are stuck. Were going to start with the
Base rst. Select the Rigid Body toolbox and select
Box.
b. Then, under Length, enter 12 m, under Height,
enter 4 m, under Depth, enter 8 m. Make sure all the
Length, Height, and Depth boxes are checked.
c. Hit Enter and then right-click on the working grid to
open the LocationEvent box, here enter 0,-4,0 and
make sure Rel. To Origin is selected then click Apply.
Step 4. Create the Geometry of the
Lift Mechanism: Create the Mount.
a. Select the Rigid Body toolbox and select Box.
b. Then, under Length, enter 3 m, under Height, enter
3 m, under Depth, enter 3.5 m. Make sure all the
Length, Height, and Depth boxes are checked.
c. Hit Enter and then right-click on the working grid to
open the LocationEvent box, here enter 9,0,2.25 and
make sure Rel. To Origin is selected then click Apply.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 25 MSC Software | 25
Step 5. Create the Geometry of the Lift
Mechanism: Create the Shoulder.
a. Select the Rigid Body toolbox and select Cylinder.
b. Then, under Length, enter 10 m, under Radius, enter
1 m. Make sure all the Length and Radius boxes are
checked.
c. Hit Enter and then right-click on the working grid to
open the LocationEvent box, here enter 0.5,1.5,4 and
make sure Rel. To Origin is selected then click Apply.
d. Now click on the center of the Mount as shown to
dene the other endpoint of the cylinder.
Step 6. Create the Geometry of the
Lift Mechanism: Create the Boom.
a. Select the Rigid Body toolbox and select Cylinder.
b. Then, under Length, enter 13 m, under Radius, enter
0.5 m. Make sure all the Length and Radius boxes
are checked.
c. Hit Enter and then right-click on the working grid to
open the LocationEvent box, here enter -4.5,1.5,4
and make sure Rel. To Origin is selected then click
Apply.
d. Now click on the center of either the Shoulder or the
Mount as shown to dene the other endpoint of the
cylinder.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 3: Lift Mechanism - Geometry
26 | MSC Software
Step 7. Create the Geometry of the
Lift Mechanism: Create the Bucket.
a. Select the Rigid Body toolbox and select Box.
b. Then, under Length, enter 4.5 m, under Height,
enter 3 m, under Depth, enter 4 m. Make sure all the
Length, Height, and Depth boxes are checked.
c. Hit Enter and then right-click on the working grid to
open the LocationEvent box, here enter -6.75,1.5,2
and make sure Rel. To Origin is selected then click
Apply.
Step 8. Apply Fillets on the
Mount using the Fillet Tool.
a. From the Rigid Body toolbox select the Fillet tool.
b. Under Radius, enter 1.5 m, and then check the box for
End Radius and enter 1.5 m.
c. Then select the edges of the Mount as shown and then
right-click on it to create the llets. You may want to
rotate the view to make this task easier.
Step 9. Modify the Bucket Using
the Chamfer and Hollow Tools.
a. From the Rigid Body toolbox select the Chamfer tool.
b. Under Width, enter 1.5 m.
c. Then select the edges of the Bucket as shown and
then right-click on it to chamfer it. You may want to
rotate the view to make this task easier.
d. Now under the Rigid Body toolbox, select the Hollow
tool.
e. Under Thickness, enter 0.25 m and make sure Inside
is checked.
f. Then select the top face of the bucket and then right-
click to hollow it out. You may want to rotate the view to
make this task easier.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 27 MSC Software | 27
Step 10. Final Model
Compare your Model
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 3: Lift Mechanism - Geometry
28 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Continuing from the last example where you worked on the
construction of the Lift Mechanism, add the proper constraints
and joint motions to your model, as shown in the gure below, and
successfully run a simulation of your model. Note: If you need
assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note: Click
on images to enlarge.
Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 29 MSC Software | 29
Step 2. Constrain the Base to the Ground.
a. From the Joint toolbox, select Fixed.
b. Under Construction, make sure 2 Bod-1 Loc, Normal
to Grid are selected.
c. Select the Base as the First Body and the Ground as
the Second Body
d. Select the Midpoint of the Base as the Location. A
Lock icon should appear indicating that you have done
this process successful. It may be easier to change the
view to Wireframe to complete this process.
Note: Because of the scale of the model you will
need to zoom in to see the Lock icon, if you wish to
make the scale of the Lock Icon larger, right-click on
Joint:JOINT_1 and then go to Appearance and then
increase the Icon Scale to 15 and click OK.
Step 1. Open the File
Containing your Model
a. Click on Open an existing database.
b. Under File Name, browse to the folder where your
model is located, and then click OK.
c. Then locate the bin le that contains your model, lift_
mech, and click Open.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation
30 | MSC Software
Step 3. Constrain the Mount to the Base.
a. From the Joint toolbox, select Revolute.
b. Under Construction, make sure 2 Bod-1 Loc, Pick
Feature are selected.
c. Then select the Mount as the First Body and the
Base as the Second Body, and then select the
Midpoint of the Mount as the Location. Then select
the Global Y-Direction as the axis of rotation. A
Hinge icon should appear indicating that you have
done this process successful.
Note: Because of the scale of the model you will
need to zoom in to see the Hinge icon, if you wish to
make the scale of the Hinge Icon larger, right-click on
Joint:JOINT_2 and then go to Appearance and then
increase the Icon Scale to 15 and click OK.
Step 4. Constrain the
Shoulder to the Mount.
a. From the Joint toolbox, select Revolute.
b. Under Construction, make sure 2 Bod-1 Loc, Normal
To Grid are selected.
c. Then select the Shoulder as the First Body and the
Mount as the Second Body, and then select the
Anchor Marker of the Shoulder as the Location. A
Hinge icon should appear indicating that you have
done this process successful.
Note: Because of the scale of the model you will
need to zoom in to see the Hinge icon, if you wish to
make the scale of the Hinge Icon larger, right-click on
Joint:JOINT_3 and then go to Appearance and then
increase the Icon Scale to 15 and click OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 31 MSC Software | 31
Step 5. Constrain the Boom
to the Shoulder
a. From the Joint toolbox, select Translational.
b. Under Construction, make sure 2 Bod-1 Loc, Pick
Feature are selected.
c. Then select the Boom as the First Body and the
Shoulder as the Second Body, and then select the
Midpoint of the Boom as the Location. Then select
the Global X-Direction as the axis of rotation. A
Translational icon should appear indicating that you
have done this process successful.
Note: Because of the scale of the model you will need
to zoom in to see the Hinge icon, if you wish to make
the scale of the Translational Icon larger, right-click
on Joint:JOINT_4 and then go to Appearance and then
increase the Icon Scale to 15 and click OK.
Step 6. Constraint the Bucket to the Boom.
a. From the Joint toolbox, select Revolute.
b. Under Construction, make sure 2 Bod-1 Loc, Normal
To Grid are selected.
c. Then select the Bucket as the First Body and the
Boom as the Second Body, and then select the
Midpoint of the Boom as the Location. A Hinge
icon should appear indicating that you have done this
process successful.
d. Note: Because of the scale of the model you will need
to zoom in to see the Hinge icon, if you wish to make
the scale of the Translational Icon larger, right-click
on Joint:JOINT_5 and then go to Appearance and then
increase the Icon Scale to 15 and click OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation
32 | MSC Software
Step 7. Verify your Model.
a. Check model topology by constraints by going to the
Status bar and then right-clicking on the Information
tool stack. Then select the Model Topology by
constraints tool and check to see if everything is
constrainted properly.
b. Perform a simulation to visually see if everything is
constrained correctly.
Step 8. Add Joint Motions.
First, add a motion to the Mount-to-Base joint by
going to the Motion Driver tool stack and then select
Rotational Joint Motion.
a. Under Speed, enter 360d*time.
b. Then select the Mount-to-Base revolute joint
(JOINT_2) to apply.
c. Now add a motion to the Shoulder-to-Mount joint by
entering -STEP(time,0,0,0.10,30d) in the Speed Box.
d. Then select the Shoulder-to-Mount revolute joint
(JOINT_3) to apply.
Now we will add a motion for the Boom-to-Shoulder joint.
Under the Motion Driver tool stack, select Translational
Joint Motion.
e. Enter -STEP(time,0.8,0,1,5) for the Speed.
f. Then select the Boom-to-Shoulder translational joint
(JOINT_4) to apply.
Lastly, we will add a motion to the Bucket-to-Boom joint.
Once again under the Motion Driver tool stack, select
Rotational Joint Motion.
g. Under Speed enter 45d*(1-cos(360d*time)).
h. Then select the Bucket-to-Boom revolute joint
(JOINT_5) to apply.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 33 MSC Software | 33
Step 9. Verify the Joint Motions.
a. Check to see if the functions were properly entered
for each joint by going to Modify and then Impose
Motion and checking the Function. Also right near
the joint and check the motion by going to right-
clicking on the Motion then Modify and checking the
Function(time). If the function box does not have the
correct function, enter it and click OK.
b. For example, for the Mount-to-Base joint you can right-
click on Joint:JOINT_2 and then click on Modify
c. Then, click on Impose Motion.
d. Then make sure that the Function textbox contains
360d*time, then click OK.
e. Now right-click on Motion: MOTION_1 and click on
Modify.
f. Make sure that the Function(time) textbox contains
360d*time, and click OK.
g. Repeat for all joints and motions.
h. Once you have done that, check the model topology
by constraints by going to the Status bar and then
right-clicking on the Information tool stack. Then select
the Model Topology by constraints tool and verify if the
joint motions have been applied properly.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation
34 | MSC Software
Step 10. Simulate the Model.
a. Simulate the model for 5 seconds and 500 steps and
observe the results.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 35 MSC Software | 35
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 4: Lift Mechanism - Simulation
36 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Find the initial force supported by the pin at A for a bar that swings
in a vertical plane, given the initial angular displacement and initial
angular velocity. Also, nd the pendulum frequency. Note: If you need
assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note: Click
on images to enlarge.
Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 37 MSC Software | 37
Step 2. Construct the Pendulum Link.
a. From the Main Toolbox, right-click the Rigid Body tool
stack and select the Link tool.
b. Then select New Part and under Length, enter 450 mm,
under Width, enter 20 mm, and under Depth, enter
27.5 mm. Make sure the Length, Width, and Depth
boxes are checked.
c. Click on the origin on the working grid to place the
pendulum at 0,0,0.
d. Right-click anywhere on the working grid and a small
window will appear in the bottom left corner of the
window, this is called the Location Event window. In
the Location Event window, enter 450,0,0 as the other
endpoint and click Apply.
Step 1. Create a new Adams Database
a. Click on Create a new model.
b. Under Start in, browse to the folder where you want to
save your model.
c. Type the name of the new Model name as projectile_
motion and click OK.
d. Make sure that the Gravity is set to Earth Normal
(-Global Y) and the Units is set to MMKS -
mm,kg,N,s,deg.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum
38 | MSC Software
Step 3. Construct the Sphere
Part of the Pendulum
a. From the Main Toolbox, right-click on the Rigid Body
tool stack, and then select the Sphere tool.
b. Make sure Add To Part is selected and enter 25 mm for
the Radius.
c. Then select PART_2, the link, as the part you are going
to add the sphere to.
d. Then, in the Location Event window enter 450,0,0 as
the center of the sphere and click Apply .
Step 4. Rename the Pendulum.
a. Right-click on the link and point to Part:PART_2 and
then select Rename.
b. In the New Name text box, enter .pendulum.pendulum,
and then click OK.
Step 5. Assign Physical
Properties to the Pendulum.
a. Right-click on the stone and go to Part: pendulum and
then select Modify.
b. Set Dene Mass by to User Input and in the Mass text
box, enter 2.0. In the Inertia text boxes (Ix, Iyy, Izz),
enter 0.
c. Then, right-click the Center of Mass Marker text box,
and go to pendulum.pendulum.cm and then go to
Modify.
d. In the Location box, enter 450,0,0, then click OK and
OK. If you get a warning message about the change in
position of your center of mass marker, simply ignore it
and click Close.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 39 MSC Software | 39
Step 6. Build the Pivot.
a. In the Main Toolbox, right-click the Joint tool stack, and
then select the Revolute joint tool.
b. In the container, select 2 Bod-1 Loc and Normal to
Grid.
c. Select the pendulum as the rst body.
d. The ground as the second body.
e. Then select 0,0,0 as the location in the Location Event
Window and click Apply.
f. Right-click on the joint and go to Joint:JOINT_1 and
then select Rename.
g. In the New Name text box, enter .pendulum.pivot, and
then click Apply and OK.
Step 7. Create Measures
for the Pendulum.
a. Right-click on the pivot joint, and go to Joint:pivot, and
then select Measure.
b. In the box, where it says Measure Name, enter pivot_
force_x. Set Characteristic to Force, and select X as
the Component. Make sure .pendulum.MARKER_5
and Create Strip Chart are selected, and click Apply
and Cancel.
c. Again in the box, where it says Measure Name, enter
pivot_force_y. Set Characteristic to Force, and select Y
as the Component. Make sure .pendulum.MARKER_5
and Create Strip Chart are selected, and click Apply
and Cancel.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum
40 | MSC Software
Step 8. Create a Reference Market.
a. In the Main Toolbox, right-click on the Rigid Body tool
stack, and select the Marker tool.
b. Make sure Add to Ground and Global XY are selected,
and using the mouse or Location Event select 450,0,0
as the marker location.
c. With the marker selected, go to Edit and select
Rename.
d. In the New Name text box, enter .pendulum.ground.
angle_ref, and then click Apply and OK.
Step 9. Create an Angle Measure.
a. From the Design Exploration menu, go to Measure and
then go to Angle and select New.
b. In the Measure Name text box, enter pend_angle.
c. Then, right-click the First Marker text box, and go to
Marker, and then go to Pick.
d. Go to the working grid, and pick a marker that is on the
pendulum, which is also located at its end, for example,
select the cm marker.
e. Right-click the Middle Marker text box, go to Marker,
and then go to Pick.
f. Then, pick a marker that is at the location of the pivot.
g. Right-click the Last Marker text box, go to Marker, and
then go to Pick.
h. Pick the marker that is on the ground and at the end of
the pendulum, the marker that you just created in the
previous step, .pendulum.ground.angle_ref. Then click
Apply and Cancel.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 41 MSC Software | 41
Step 10. Add the Initial Conditions
to the Pendulum Model.
a. Right-click on the pivot joint, and go to Joint:pivot, and
then go to Modify.
b. Go to Initial Conditions and in the Joint Initial
Conditions dialog box, select Rot. Displ and enter -30
in the text box. Select Rot.Velo and enter -300 in the
text box. Then click OK and OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum
42 | MSC Software
Step 11. Add the Initial Conditions
to the Pendulum Model.
a. From the Status bar, click on the Verify tool, and right-
click the Information tool stack. Close the window once
your model has been veried.
b. Simulate your model for 2 seconds with 100 steps
using the Simulation tool.
Step 12. Using ADAMS/PostProcessor,
Determine the Global Components
and the Frequency of the Pendulum.
a. Right-click the blank area inside the pend_angle graph,
and go to Plot: scht1 and then go to Transfer to Full
Plot.
b. You should now be in the Adams/PostProcessor. Now,
select the Plot Tracking tool.
c. To determine the Global Components, move the cursor
over the plot to where t=0 and make note of the value
of Y.
d. In the dashboard, go to Clear Plot.
e. Set the source to Measures, and from the Measure
list, select pivot_force_x and select Surf.
f. Move the cursor over the plot where t=0, and make
note of the value of Y.
g. From the Measure list, select pivot_force_y.
h. Move the cursor over the plot where t=0, and make
note of the value of Y.
i. To determine the frequency, from the Measure list,
select pend_angle.
j. Estimate the period of the curve, then nd the
reciprocal of the period to determine the frequency.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 43 MSC Software | 43
Analytical Solution Verify the Results
by Calculating the Analytical Solution.
The Horizontal Force supported by the pivot A is equal
to -Ancos30.
The Vertical Force supported by the pivot A is equal to
-Ansin30.
Compare your results from MD ADAMS with the
analytical solution.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 5: One-degree-of-freedom Pendulum
44 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Find the initial force supported by the pin at A for a bar that swings
in a vertical plane, given the initial angular displacement and initial
angular velocity. Also, nd the pendulum frequency. Note: If you need
assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note: Click
on images to enlarge.
Example 6: Projectile Motion
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 45 MSC Software | 45
Step 2. Adjust the Working Grid.
a. From the Settings menu, select Working Grid.
b. Set the Size in the X direction to 4000 mm and the
Size in the Y direction to 3000 mm and the Spacing in
the x and y direction to 50 mm.
c. Make sure that the working grid is oriented along the
global XY direction (default setting when you open
Adams/View). The Set Orientation pull-down menu
allows you to choose Global XY, YZ, XZ, or custom
orientation. Click Apply and OK.
Step 1. Create a new Adams Database
a. Click on Create a new model.
b. Under Start in, browse to the folder where you want to
save your model.
c. Type the name of the new Model name as projectile_
motion and click OK.
d. Make sure that the Gravity is set to Earth Normal
(-Global Y) and the Units is set to MMKS -
mm,kg,N,s,deg.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 6: Projectile Motion
46 | MSC Software
Step 3. Constructing the Geometries
of the Plane and the Stone.
a. To create the plane, right-click on the Rigid Body icon
and select Rigid Body: Box.
b. Make sure On Ground is selected and enter (3500
mm) for the Length, (100 mm) for the Height, and
(100 mm) for the Depth. Also make sure that the
Length, Width, and Depth are all checked.
c. Then, right-click on the working grid and then enter in
the coordinates for the corner of the plane: 0,-150,0
and then click Apply.
d. To create the spherical stone, right-click on the Rigid
Body icon and select Rigid Body: Sphere.
e. Make sure New Part is selected and enter (50 mm) for
the Radius. Also make sure that Radius is checked.
Then on the working grid select the origin (0,0,0) as the
center of the sphere.
Step 4. Rename the Stone and Plane
Geometry and Assign Physical
Properties to the Objects.
a. Right-click on the box (plane), point to Block: BOX_1,
and then select Rename.
b. Enter Plane, under New Name, and click Apply and
OK.
c. Right-click on the sphere (stone), point to
Part:PART_2, and then select Rename.
d. Enter Stone, under New Name, and click Apply and
OK.
e. Enter the mass of the stone by right-clicking on sphere
and going to Part:Stone, and then selecting Modify.
f. Set Dene Mass By to User Input and in the Mass
text box, enter 1.0 kg. Click Apply and OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 47 MSC Software | 47
Step 5. Set Initial Conditions.
a. Right-click on the stone and go to Part:Stone and
then select Modify.
b. Under Category select Velocity Initial Conditions.
c. Check X Axis and then enter (6*cos(60d)(m/sec)),
and then check Y Axis and enter (6*sin(60d)(m/sec)).
Click Apply and OK.
Step 6. Create Measures for
the Projectile Motion.
a. Right-click on the stone and select Part:Stone and
then select Measure.
b. In the Measure Name text box, enter R_
displacement. Set Characteristic to CM Position
and Component to X.
c. Make sure Create Strip Chart is checked and select
OK.
Step 7. Simulate the Model.
a. From the Main Toolbox, select the Simulation tool.
b. In the End Time text box, enter 1.5 and in the Step
Size text box enter 0.02. Then click on the Play button.
c. After the end of the simulation, click on the Reset tool.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 6: Projectile Motion
48 | MSC Software
Step 8. Use Animation Tools to
Determine the Time at which the Stone
Makes Contact with the Plane.
a. From the Main Toolbox, select the Animation tool.
b. Select the Play tool and click on Stop when the stone
makes contact with the plane. Use the Step Forward
and Step Backward tools, if needed, to facilitate this
step. Make note of the time at which the stone makes
contact with the plane on the graph.
c. Click on the ellipses above the Icons button and then
change No Trace to Trace Marker.
d. In the box, below Trace Marker, right-click and go to
Marker and select Browse.
e. In the Database Navigator, under Stone, select cm and
then click OK.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 49 MSC Software | 49
Step 9. Using ADAMS/Post Processor,
determine the range, R.
a. To nd the Stones Displacement after 1 second, rst
right-click the blank area inside the stripchart, then
choose Plot:scht1 then click on Transfer To Full Plot.
b. In Adams/Postprocessor, from the main toolbar, select
the Plot Tracking tool.
c. Because you want to know the nal conditions after
1 second, move the cursor over the end point of the
plot. In the area below the menu bar, the value of X is
displayed as 1. Note the value of Y is -4903.
Analytical Solution Verify the Results
by Calculating the Analytical Solution.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 6: Projectile Motion
50 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Find the force in spring damper at static equilibrium. Note: If you need
assistance on a step, just click on it for more information. Note: Click
on images to enlarge
Example 7: Spring Damper - Part 1
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 51 MSC Software | 51
Step 2. Build the Rigid Body.
a. From the Main Toolbox, right-click the Rigid Body tool
stack, and then select the Rigid Body: Box tool.
b. Create a Rigid Body:Box by clicking on the grid. The
dimension of the box is not important, so just create
any type of box.
c. Right-Click on the Box and choose Part:PART_2 :
Modify. Input the Mass as 187.224.
d. After inputing the Mass, click OK.
Step 1. Create a new Adams Database
a. Click on New model.
b. For the Model name change it to spring_mass.
c. For the Gravity choose Earth Normal (-Global Y).
d. For the Units, set it to MMKS - mm,kg,N,s,deg.
e. Then click OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 7: Spring Damper - Part 1
52 | MSC Software
Step 3. Constrain the Block to
Move Only in the yg Direction.
a. First right-click on the screen and choose Rotate XY
then rotate the model until it is similar to the view below.
It is best to check the translational joint that will be
created by rotating the model to make sure that it is x
in the yg direction.
b. Now click on Joint: Translational.
c. Choose the Rigid Body : Box, when it says Select
the rst body on the bottom of the screen.
d. Choose the Ground, when it says Select the
second body on the bottom of the screen.
e. Choose the PART_2.cm, when it says Select the
location on the bottom of the screen.
f. Choose the cm.X, when it says Select the direction
vector on the bottom of the screen.
g. To verify the expected behavior, simulate the model by
clicking on the Interactive Simulation Controls.
h. Click on the Play icon to run the simulation and click
on the Reset icon.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 53 MSC Software | 53
Step 4. Move the Working Grid.
a. To ensure that the spring damper is aligned with the Yg
direction, move the working grid to the cm of the Box.
First click on Settings: Working Grid....
b. Change Set Location to Pick.
c. Pick on the cm of the Box.
d. Click OK. Now the working grid is in the center of the
box.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 7: Spring Damper - Part 1
54 | MSC Software
Step 5. Add the Pre-Defined
Spring Damper
a. Click on the Translational spring damper.
b. Input the K value of 5 and the C value of 0.05.
c. Choose the PART_2.cm, when it says Select the
rst point on the bottom of the screen.
d. Right-click anywhere on the ground to display the
Location Event. Enter 0, 400, 0, and change Rel. to
Origin to Rel. to Grid.
e. Click Apply.
Step 6. Verify the Distance
of the Spring Damper.
a. Click on Tools and choose Measure Distance....
b. Click on First Position and choose cm, because this
is the position where one of the spring end is located.
c. Click on Second Position and choose MARKER_5,
because this is the position where the other spring end
is located. Then click OK.
d. Verify the value of Y.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 55 MSC Software | 55
Step 7. Finding the Force in Spring
Damper at Static Equilibrium
a. Select Interactive Simulation Controls on the Main
Toolbox.
b. Select the Static Equilibrium tool.
c. Select Force Graphics... under Settings on the Main
Menu.
d. Put a check on Display Numeric Values on the
Force Graphics Settings.
e. Click OK. Zoom out until you can see the force value.
As shown the force in the spring damper at static
equilibrium is 1836.04 N.
Analytical Solution Verify the Results
by Calculating the Analytical Solution.
The blocks mass is 187.224 kg.
Therefore, to balance the force of gravity, the spring
damper must generate:
187.224 kg * 9806.65 mm/s2 = 1836.04 N
The results produced by Adams View are the same as
the hand calculated answer.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 7: Spring Damper - Part 1
56 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
Replace the Spring Damper with a Single-Component Force. Create
a Length vs Force Plot. Find the Static Equilibrium using the Single-
Component Force. Note: If you need assistance on a step, just click on
it for more information. Note: Click on images to enlarge.
Example 8: Spring Damper - Part 2
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 57 MSC Software | 57
Step 1. Replace the Spring Damper
a. Right Click on the Spring, choose Spring: SPRING_1,
and click on choose Delete.
b. Click on the Forces Tab and go to Applied Force:
Force (Single-Component).
c. Change the Run-time Direction to Two Bodies, for
the Characteristic choose K and C and input K=5.0,
C=0.05.
d. Then click on PART_2 for the action body.
e. Then click on ground for the reaction body.
f. Then click on PART_2.cm for the action point.
g. Then click on the y-axis on the grid for the action point.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 8: Spring Damper - Part 2
58 | MSC Software
Step 2. Simulate the Model.
a. Right-click on the Force: SFORCE_1 and select
Measure.
b. Change the Measure Name to spring_force.
c. Change the Characteristic to Force.
d. Change the Component to mag then click OK.
e. Go to the Simulation Tab and click on Run a
Scripted Simulation (Calculator Icon).
f. Click on Interactive.
g. Change the End Time to 2.
h. Change the Steps to 50.
i. Then click on Start or continue simulation.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 59 MSC Software | 59
Step 3. Creating Length
(mm) vs. Force (N) Plot.
a. First right-click Plot, choose Plot: scht1 then click on
Transfer To Full Plot.
b. Click on Clear Plot.
c. Click on Data.
d. In the Independent Axis Browser, click on Spring_
length in the Results Set and Q in the Component.
e. Click OK.
f. Click Add Curves.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 8: Spring Damper - Part 2
60 | MSC Software
Step 4. Finding the Static Equilibrium
of the Single-Component,
Action-Reaction Force.
a. Finding the Static Equilibrium of the Single-
Component, Action-Reaction Force
b. To view the force at static equilibrium click on the Static
Equilibrium tool. As you can see the value of the
Force generated is the same as the Force generated
by the Spring Damper.
Analytical Solution Verify the Results
by Calculating the Analytical Solution.
The blocks mass is 187.224 kg.
Therefore, to balance the force of gravity, the spring
damper must generate:
187.224 kg * 9806.65 mm/s2 = 1836.04 N
The results produced by Adams View is the same as
the hand calculated answer.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 61 MSC Software | 61
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 8: Spring Damper - Part 2
62 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Files Needed
suspension_parts_starts.cmd
Located in the directory
exercise_dir/Example 9
Problem Description
Inspect the toe angle that the wheel exhibits throughout its vertical
travel of 80 mm in jounce and rebound. The given model is a
geometric representation of a short-long arm (SLA) suspension
subsystem. Note: If you need assistance on a step, just click on it for
more information. Note: Click on images to enlarge.
Example 9: Suspension System 1
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 63 MSC Software | 63
Step 2. Import the Model.
a. To import the model, rst click on File and then choose
Import.
b. Now click on the File To Read.
c. For the le choose and Open suspension_parts_starts.
cmd.
d. Then click OK.
Step 1. Creating a New Database.
a. Click on Create a new model.
b. First, change the Model name to Suspension.
c. For the Gravity choose Earth Normal (-Global Y).
d. Change the units to MMKS-mm,kg,N,s,deg.
e. Choose the directory where you want to save the
model and then click OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 9: Suspension System 1
64 | MSC Software
Step 3. Create a Spherical Joint.
a. First, right-click on the screen, choose Shaded.
b. Click on Joint and choose Joint:Spherical.
c. For the Construction pick 2 Bod-1 Loc and choose
Normal To Grid for the First Body choose Pick
Body and the Second Body choose Pick Body.
d. Choose the Spindle_Wheel for the rst body.
e. Pick the Tie_Rod for the second body.
f. For the location choose ground.HP8.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 65 MSC Software | 65
Step 4. Create a Hooke Joint.
a. Click on Joint and choose Joint:Hooke.
b. For Construction choose 2 Bod-1 Loc and choose
Pick Feature. For the First Body and Second Body
choose Pick Body.
c. Click on the Tie_Rod when selecting the rst body.
d. Click on the steering_rack when selecting the second
body.
e. Click on the ground.HP7 when selecting the location.
f. Click on HP8 when selecting the rst direction vector.
g. Click on HP13 when selecting the second direction
vector.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 9: Suspension System 1
66 | MSC Software
Step 5. Create a Point Joint.
a. First, click on Motion Driver and choose Point
Motion.
b. Choose the Spindle_Wheel.Center when selecting
the location.
c. Choose the Center.Y when selecting direction vector.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 67 MSC Software | 67
Step 6. Modify the Motion
to a Specific Function.
a. Right-click on the Wheel.Center choose
Motion:MOTION_1 and then click on Modify.
b. Click on the Function (time).
c. Modify the Dene a runtime function to
80*SIN(360d*time). Click on SIN under the Math
Functions when inputting a SIN function. Then click
OK.
d. Now click on the center of either the Shoulder or the
Mount as shown to dene the other endpoint of the
cylinder.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 9: Suspension System 1
68 | MSC Software
Step 7. Modify the Translational
Joint to be a Fixed Joint.
a. Right-click on the Join: rck_body_joint then click on
Modify.
b. Change the Type to Fixed.
c. Click OK.
Step 8. Verify and Simulate the Model.
a. First, click on the Interactive Simulation Control.
b. Change the End Time to 10 and change the Steps to
500.
c. Then click on Start Simulation. Now you have
completed creating a Spherical Joint, Hooke Joint
and Point Motion on this suspension subsystem.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 69 MSC Software | 69
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 9: Suspension System 1
70 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Files Needed
wheel.slp
Knuckle.slp
Located in the directory
exercise_dir/Example 10
Problem Description
Use the model you built in the previous workshop (Suspension System
I) to inspect the toe angle that the wheel exhibits throughout its vertical
travel of 80 mm in jounce and rebound. Note: If you need assistance
on a step, just click on it for more information. Note: Click on images to
enlarge.
Example 10: Suspension System 2
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 71 MSC Software | 71
Height.
d. Change the To Point to Center. This can be typed
in or double click on it to choose it from the Database
Navigator. As for the From Point double click, choose
WH_ref from the Database Navigator and click OK.
e. Then choose Y for the Component.
f. Choose Cartesian.
g. Click OK.
h. Click on the Interactive Simulation Controls.
i. Change the End Time to 1.0 and the Steps to 50 .
j. Click on Start Simulation. As you can see a plot of
Time vs Displacement in the Yg direction has been
created.
Step 1. Open an Existing Database.
a. First, choose Existing Model.
b. Under File Name, locate the suspension.bin le.
c. Then click OK.
Step 2. Create Point-to-Point Measure.
a. To nd the relative wheel displacement in the Yg
direction, click on the Design Exploration tab, then
choose Measure, pick Point-to-Point and click on
New....
b. Click on Advanced.
c. Now change the Measure Name to .suspension.Wheel_
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 10: Suspension System 2
72 | MSC Software
Step 3. Use a Function Measure
to Create a Toe Angle.
a. Using an Adams/Solver function measure, create a
toe angle measure using the markers Spindle_Wheel.
Center and Spindle_Wheel.TA_ref. First click on Build,
choose Measure, click on Design Exploration and then
click on Create a New Function Measure.
b. Input ATAN(DZ(Center,TA_ref)/DX(Center,TA_ref)) for
Create or Modify a Funtion Measure, choose ATAN
under the Math Functions.
c. Change the Measure Name to .suspension.Toe_Angle
and change the Units to angle.
d. Click on Verify then click OK when the Fucntion syntax
is correct.
e. Click OK.
f. Click on the Start Simulation.
g. Click on Close to close the plots.
Step 4. Plot Toe Angle
versus Wheel Height.
a. Click on Results and go to Opens Adams/
PostProcessor.
b. For Construction choose 2 Bod-1 Loc and choose Pick
Feature. For the First Body and Second Body choose
Pick Body.
c. For the Dependent Axis under Measure choose Toe_
Angle and then click on Data for the Independent Axis.
d. Choose Last_Run for Simulation and choose Wheel_
Height for Measure.
e. Click OK then click on Add Curves.
f. Close the plotting window.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 73 MSC Software | 73
Step 5. Importing the Knuckle and Wheel.
a. Now, youll import more realistic, CAD-based spindle/
wheel geometry. First click on File and choose Import.
b. Choose Render(*.slp) for File Type.
c. Choose the appropriate location by clicking on File to
Read. Choose the le wheel.slp then click Open.
d. Change the Part Name to Spindle_Wheel you can
screen pick this by right-clicking and choose Part and
click on Guess. Then click Apply.
e. Change File to Read by right-clicking and choose
Browse....
f. Choose knuckle.slp then click Open.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 10: Suspension System 2
74 | MSC Software
Step 6. Turn off Spindle Geometry.
a. Turn off the appearance of Adams/View spindle
geometry so that only the CAD geometry is visible. First
click on Appearance... under the Edit menu.
b. Hold on the Shift key and choose CYLINDER_1,
CYLINDER_1_2, SPHERE_1, FRUSTUM_1,
FRUSTUM_2, FRUSTUM_3, FRUSTUM_4, REV and
click OK.
c. Click on Off for Visibility, then click OK.
d. To rotate the model, click on R on the keyboard or
right-click on the screen and choose Rotate.
Step 7. Simulate the Model.
a. First, click on the Interactive Simulation Control.
b. Change the End Time to 5.0 and the Steps to 500.
c. To simulate the model click on Start Simulation.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 75 MSC Software | 75
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 10: Suspension System 2
76 | MSC Software
Problem Description
Use Adam/View to
Create a marker
Change angle units
Add motion
Use Adams/PostProcessor to
Create center of mass angular velocity measurements
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Problem Description
In the four-bar linkage shown, control link OA has a counterclockwise
angular velocity omega = 10 rad/s during a short interval of motion.
When the link CB passes the vertical position shown, point A has
coordinates x = -60 mm and y = 80 mm. By means of vector algebra,
determine the angular velocity of AB and BC.
This problem asks for the rotational velocity of segment BC when it is
in the pictured position given a constant and known rotational velocity
for segment OA. We will use ADAMS to create a model with the given
conditions and collect the data needed.
Example 11: Four Bar Velocity
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 77 MSC Software | 77
Step 2. Create a Marker
a. Press F4 to Open Coordinate Window
b. From Bodies ribbon, select Construction Geometry:
Marker
c. Create a marker at each of the following coordinates: O
(0, 0, 0); A (-60, 80, 0); B (180, 180, 0); C (180, 0, 0)
Step 1. Creating the Model
a. Start Adams/View.
b. Create a new model. (Model Name = Fourbar, Units =
mmks, Gravity = none)
c. Modify the spacing of the Working Grid (X = 10mm, Y=
10mm)
d. Click Units from Settings menu
e. Select Radian from Angle pull down menu
f. Click OK
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 11: Four Bar Velocity
78 | MSC Software
Step 3. Create Links and Joints
a. From Bodies ribbon, double click RigidBody:
Link
b. Create links OA, AB, and BC, using the markers
as end points.
c. From Connectors ribbon, double click Create a
Revolute joint
d. Make revolute joints between two links at points
A and B, and between link and ground at O and C.
Step 4. Add Motion
a. From Motions ribbon, select Rotational
Joint Motion
b. Enter (1rad) in Rot.Speed text eld
c. Select joint at point O
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 79 MSC Software | 79
Step 5. Testing the Model
a. From Simulation ribbon, select Run an Interactive
Simulation
b. Set End Time to 10 and Step Size to 0.1
c. Click Start,
d. Click Plotting
e. Create a CM position plot for link OA in X component
f. Create a CM angular velocity plot for LinkAB and
LinkBC in mag component
g. Use the Plot tracking tool
h. Follow the plot curve. Find the angular velocity at X =
0.0
Results
Theoretical Solution
Adams solution
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 11: Four Bar Velocity
80 | MSC Software
Workshop Objectives
Use Adams/view to
Create different shapes using the open and closed splines
Add constraints (joints): revolute joint, translational joint and a 2D
curve-curve constraint
Create a rigid body: box
Measure
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Example 12: Cam-Follower
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 81 MSC Software | 81
Step 2. Settings Grid Size:
a. Click Settings menu, then Working Grid
b. The Working Grid Settings window will appear
c. Change the Spacing text elds in X and Y to (10mm)
d. Click OK
Step 3. Closed Body Spline
a. Under the Bodies ribbon, click on Spline
b. Select New Part from Spline pull down menu
c. Turn on checkbox next to Closed.
d. Click on the 13 points in the table below.
e. Right click to create a closed spline
*Note that the rst point and the last point have the
same coordinates to create a closed spline.
f. An alert box will appear warning you that the part has
no mass. Close the box.
*If your parts geometry does not match the illustration,
it can be xed by clicking and dragging any of the hot
points (rectangular boxes) to its proper location
Step 1. Getting Started:
a. Start Adams/View
b. Select New model button.
c. Enter cam_follower as Model Name
d. Choose a Location to save your les
e. Verify the Gravity text eld is set to Earth Normal
(-Global Y).
f. Verify that the Units text eld is set to MMKS -
mm,kg,N,s,deg.
g. Select OK.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 12: Cam-Follower
82 | MSC Software
Step 4. Create Revolute Joint
a. Under the Connector ribbon, select Revolute
Joint
b. Verify that the Construction text elds read 2 Bod-1
Loc.
c. Left-click on any blank area in the working window
(ground)
d. Left click on your cam
e. Click on the position (0,-130,0)
Step 5. Open Body Spline
a. Select the Spline tool
b. Turn on checkbox next to Closed.
c. Click on the 27 points in the table below.
d. Right click to create a closed spline
*Note that the rst point and the last point have the
same coordinates to create a closed spline.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 83 MSC Software | 83
Step 6. Create Box
a. Select the Box.
b. Select Add to Part from Box menu
c. Click on the Open Body Spline in the working area to
select the part to add to.
d. Click on the left end of the open spline (-250,50,0).
e. Click on (250,180,0).
Step 7. Create Cylindrical Joint
a. Select the Joint:Cylindrical tool.
b. Set that the Construction text elds to
1 Location
c. Click on PART_3.cm
d. Move the cursor in the positive Global Y axis until an
arrow pointing straight up appears. Click once.
e. Make sure the arrow is parallel to the Y axis. This arrow
determines the direction of the translational joint.
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 12: Cam-Follower
84 | MSC Software
Step 8. Create Curve-on-Curve Contact
a. Select the Cam 2D Curve-Curve Constraint tool
b. Click on the cam part
c. Click on the follower
Step 9. Add Rotational Joint Motion
a. Select the Rotational Joint Motion
b. In the Speed text eld, enter (360d) to set the
motion displacement to be 360 degrees/second.
c. Left-click on the revolute joint.
Step 10. Verify
a. Right-Click on the Information Icon in the bottom
right corner of the Working Window
b. Left-click on the Verication Icon
c. After seeing that the model has veried successfully,
click on the cose button.
Step 11. Measure
a. Right click the follower part and choose measure.
b. The Part Measure dialog box appears.
c. Select CM Position from Characteristic pull down menu
and select Y for the Component entry to measure the
displacement in the Y direction.
d. Click Apply.
e. A graph window appears. This is where data will be
displayed.
f. Repeat, step b & c, except use CM Velocity for
Characteristic.
g. Repeat, step b & c, except use CM Acceleration for
Characteristic. A new graph window will appear for
each new measure.
h. After the three graph windows are created, click Cancel
to close the dialog box
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 85 MSC Software | 85
Step 12. Simulation
a. Click on the Simulation tool in the Toolbox.
b. Enter 1 in End Time text eld
c. Change Steps to Step Size, enter .01 in the text
eld
d. Click on the Play icon.
e. You should see the cam rotate about the pivot and the
follower slide along its translational joint.
f. When the simulation ends, click on the Rewind
icon
Step 13. Plotting
a. To get a closer look at a plot, click on a blank area
inside the small plot window with the right mouse
button and follow the pull right menu. Select Transfer to
Full Plot.
b. The ADAMS Plot Window will open, replacing the
modeling window. To return to the modeling window,
go to the File pull-down menu and select Close Plot
Window or press F8 or click on the Return to modeling
environment button
Step 14. Viewing Plots
a. Select Objects for the source text eld
b. Choose a Filter (Body, Force. Constraint)
c. Choose an Object
d. Choose a Characteristic
e. Choose a Component
f. Select Surf if you would like to replace the curve in the
Plot Window, or select Add Curves to add more curves
to the window
Step 15.Saving
a. Return to ADAMS modeling window
b. Under the File pull-down menu, select Save Database
As
c. In the text eld next to File Name, enter the name you
wish to give this model, for example, cam.
d. Select OK.
e. A binary le (.bin) has been created in the folder you
choose when opening ADAMS
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 12: Cam-Follower
86 | MSC Software
Workshop Objectives
Use Adams/View to
Create a revolution
Create a Point-to-Point measure
Create a measure about an axis
Create an angular velocity measure about an axis
Create an angular acceleration measure about an axis
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Example 13: Crank Slider
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 87 MSC Software | 87
Step 1. Creating the Model
a. Start Adams/View
b. Create a new model. (Model Name = slider_crank,
Units = mmks, Gravity = -y earth)
c. Resize the working grid, Size = X 375mm, Y
250mm, Spacing X 5mm, Y 5mm
d. Open Coordinate Window
e. Create crank part from point (60, 0, 0) to (150, 0, 0)
f. Rename .slider_crank.crank
Problem Description
Pin A moves in a circle of 90-mm radius as
crank AC revolves at a constant rate beta-
dot = 60 rad/s. The slotted link rotates about
point O as the rod attached to A moves in
and out of the slot. For the position beta=30
degrees, determine r-dot, r-double dot, theta-
dot, theta-double dot.
This problem asks for the translational speed
and acceleration of the slider rod and the
angular speed and acceleration of the
slider assembly at a given crank angle of 30
degrees and crank angular velocity of 60
radians per second. To solve this, we will
build an ADAMS model of the crank and
slider assembly based on the information
given and measure the data we want using
an ADAMS simulation of the model.
Problem 2/163 from J. L. Meriam and L. G. Kraige, Engineering
Mechanics: Volume 2, Dynamics 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
Copyright 1992, by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This material is used by permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 13: Crank Slider
88 | MSC Software
Step 2. Creating Revolution
a. Select Rigid Body:Revolution
b. Click points: (55 0 0), (-150 0 0), (55 -5 0), (55
-10 0), (-150 -10 0), (-150 -5 0), (55 -5 0)
c. Right-click to close
d. Rename .slider_crank.cylinder
Step 3. Creating Joints
a. Select Rigidbody:Cylinder
b. Create piston part. (cylinder, length = 200 mm,
radius = 5 mm, from (60, 0, 0) to (-140, 0, 0)),
c. Rename .slider_crank.piston
d. Create revolute joints between crank and ground
e. Create spherical joint between cylinder and
ground
f. Create translational joint between piston and
cylinder.
g. Create Hooke joint between crank and piston
h. Add Rotational joint motion to revolute joint with
function = -30deg - 60 * time.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 89 MSC Software | 89
Step 4. Create Point-to-Point Measure
a. From Design Exploration ribbon, select Point-to-
Point Measure
b. Select Displacement as Characteristic
c. Select GloabalZ as Component.
d. Select the Marker at the left end of cylinder and the
Marker at the left end of crank
e. Rename it as MEA_PT2PT_R
Step 5. Create Point Measure
a. Under the piston tree in the Model Brower, right-click
cm and select Measure
b. Select Translational Velocity and select Z Component.
c. Enter cylinder.cm as Represent coordinates
d. Select any Marker belongs to the ground as DO time
derivatives in.
e. Repeat the above steps to create a translational
acceleration.
Step 6. Create Angle about Axis Measure
a. In the Bodies tree, right-click the spherical joint
between cylinder and the ground
b. Select info and remember the name of I Marker and J
Marker.
c. Close the info window.
d. Select Function Measure
e. Select Angle about Z under Displacement and enter
the marker name in Step b.
f. Select angle as units
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 13: Crank Slider
90 | MSC Software
Step 7. Testing the Model
a. From Simulation ribbon, select Run an Interactive
Simulation
b. Set End Time to 0.01 and Step Size to 0.001, and then
click Start
c. Click Plotting
d. Use the Plot tracking tool
e. Follow the plot curve. Find the size measurement at X
= 0.0
Results
Theoretical Solution

ADAMS solution
r = 2.266m
r-dot = 3.58 m/s,
r-double dot = 316 m/s^2,
Theta = 11.46deg
theta-dot = 17.86 rad/s,
theta-double dot = -1510 rad/s^2
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 91 MSC Software | 91
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 13: Crank Slider
92 | MSC Software
Workshop Objectives
Use Controls Toolkit in Adams/View
Create an input-signal block
Create a summing-junction block
Create a gain block
Modify torque function
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Files Required
Lift_Mechanism_start.cmd
Located in the directory
exercise_dir/Example 14
Example 14: Controls Toolkit in ADAMS/View
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 93 MSC Software | 93
Step 1. Importing a command file (.cmd)
a. Start with New Model
b. Select File, and then select Import.
c. Right-click File To Read text eld, select Browse
d. Locate saved le Lift_Mechanism_start.cmd
e. Click Open
f. Click OK
Problem Description
This example provides a simple introduction
to the Controls Toolkit that is integrated into
ADAMS/View. This example closely follows
the process outlined in the Using the Control
Toolkit section of the ADAMS/View guide.
Model consists of two moving parts, one
imposed motion, and one single-component
torque.
Boom - is constrained to the ground with a
Revolute Joint and a Joint Motion that makes
it oscillate.
Bucket - is constrained to the Boom with
a Revolute Joint. There is also a TORQUE
between the Bucket and the Boom that has
a magnitude of 0 right now. This is where
we will be giving the output of our controls
blocks.
Notice as you run a simulation the Boom
rotates according to the function on the
joint motion, while the Bucket just randomly
oscillates. We are going to use the Controls
Toolkit to keep the bucket at a horizontal
orientation with respect to the ground.
Our Controls Block Diagram will look like this:
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 14: Controls Toolkit in ADAMS/View
94 | MSC Software
Step 2. Creating Input-Signal Block
a. From Element ribbon, click Controls Toolkit
b. Click input-signal block tool
c. Enter .Lift_Mechanism.theta_desired in Name
text eld
d. Enter 0.0 in Function text eld, and then click Apply
e. Click input-signal block tool again
f. Enter .Lift_Mechanism.theta_actual in Name text
eld
g. Click Function Builder button
h. Select Displacement from pull down arrow
i. Click Angle about Z, and then click Assist
j. Right-click in To Marker text eld click Marker
Browse
k. Click Torq_I_mar, and then
click OK
l. Right-click in From Marker
text eld click Marker
Browse
m. Click ref_mar, and then
click OK
n. Make sure the Dene a
runtime function text eld
reads AZ(Torq_I_mar,
ref_mar)
o. Click OK
Step 3. Create a Summing-Junction Block
a. Click summing-junction block tool
b. Enter .Lift_Mechanism.theta_sum
c. Right-click in Input 1 text eld, select
controls_input Guesses theta_desired
d. Right-click in Input 2 text eld, select
controls_input Guesses theta_actual
e. Click OK
Step 4. Create a Gain Block
a. Click gain block tool
b. Enter .Lift_Mechanism.theta_gain
c. Right-click in Input text eld, select controls_sum
Guesses theta_sum
d. Enter 1e9 in the Gain text eld
e. Click OK
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 95 MSC Software | 95
Step 5. Modify Torque Function
a. Right click on torque icon, select Torque:
TORQUE Modify
b. Click Function Builder button next to Function text
eld
c. Select Measure from Getting Object Data pull down
arrow
d. Right click in text eld, select Runtime_Measure
Guesses theta_gain
e. Click Insert Object Name
f. The name of the measure should appear in the editor
above
g. Click OK
Step 6. Verify and run Simulation
a. Click Simulation tool
b. Click verify
c. Make sure there are no redundant constraints
and only 1 Degree of Freedom
d. Click Close
e. Select Duration from pull down menu, and enter 2
f. Select Steps from pull down menu, and enter
100
g. Click Play button
Section I: Beginners Level | Example 14: Controls Toolkit in ADAMS/View
96 | MSC Software
Company Overview Brochure | 97 MSC Software | 97
In this section, youll work on four more complex Adams
examples compared to the rst section.
The purpose of this section is to reinforce what you have
learned in Section I. If you are an experienced Adams user, you
can start from this section to get familiar with the new interface
and to learn some more advanced skills in Adams/View, for
instance:
How to create contacts
How to use function measurement
Optimization analysis
Section II: Intermediate Level
Control
Parcels
Stamp
Inking Pad
Conveyor
98 | MSC Software
Workshop Objectives
Use Adams/View to manipulate, inspect, simulate, and animate the
valvetrain mechanism.
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Software Version
valve.cmd
Located in the directory exercise_dir/Example 15
Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Rod
Cam
Rocker
Valve
Guide
Company Overview Brochure | 99 MSC Software | 99
Step 1. Import File
To import a le.
a. Start Adams/View.
b. From the Welcome dialog box, select Existing Model.
c. Click the le folder icon, and the Select Directory dialog
box appears.
d. Find and select the directory Exercise_dir/mod_2_
aview_interface.
e. Click OK.
f. Click on the le folder icon of the File Name, select the
le valve.cmd and click Open.
g. Click OK on the Open Existing Model dialog box.
Step 2. View the List of
Keyboard Shortcuts
To view the list of keyboard shortcuts:
a. Move the cursor away from the model and then right-
click in the Adam/View window. A menu appears listing
the keyboard shortcuts.
b. To close the menu, left-click away from the menu.
c. In the space below, write the shortcut keys for
performing the following view operations.
a. Rotate:
b. Translate:
c. Zoom with a box:
d. Zoom into a specic Area:
e. Fit:
f. Front View:
Problem Description
The model represents a valvetrain
mechanism.
The cam is being rotated at a given velocity.
The rod (follower) moves translationally
based on its constraint to the cam.
The rocker pivots about a pin attached to
the engine block.
The spring is always in compression to try
and keep the rod in contact with the cam.
The valve moves vertically as the rocker
rotates.
When the valve moves, it lets small
amounts of air into the chamber below it
(not modeled here).
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism
100 | MSC Software
Step 3. Use the Zoom Box Shortcut
a. To use the zoom Box shortcut:
b. Zoom into the cam area by using the shortcut <w>.
c. Notice the instructions in the status bar instruct you to
select the area.
d. Click the left mouse button in the place where you
want the top left corner of your zoomed in rectangle to
be.
e. Now the status bar instructs you to: drag to select size
of view.
f. Draw a rectangular box around the cam.
g. You should now be zoomed into the cam area.
h. Use the t shortcut <f> to return to the original view.
Step 4. View the Model
from Different Angles
To view the model from the top:
a. Use the Top shortcut <T> and the view changes to a
top view.
To view the model from the right:
b. Use the Right shortcut <R> and the view changes to
the right view.
To view the model in an isometric view:
c. Use the Iso shortcut <I> and the view changes to an
isometric one.
If you wish you may continue to try the other shortcut keys.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Top View
Isometric View Right View
Company Overview Brochure | 101 MSC Software | 101
Step 5. Rename the Parts
As you go through these instructions notice that right-
clicking always give you a list of choices while left clicking
selects an object.
To rename the parts to match the ones given in the
diagram to the right:
a. From Model Browser, select the part displayed under
the Bodies tree. Same part will be selected and
highlighted.
b. Right click and select Rename from the displayed
menu.
c. In the Rename dialog box, change the name according
to the given diagram.
d. Click OK to change the part name.
e. Repeat the above steps a through e for the Rod, Cam,
Guide, and Valve.
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism
Rod
Cam
Rocker
Valve
Guide
(ground)
102 | MSC Software
Step 6. Inspect the Model
To inspect the model to determine the number and type of
constraints:
a. Right-click the small arrow on the Information tool
stack on the right side of the Status Bar at the bottom
of the screen.
b. Select the Model topology by constraints tool.
c. From the Information window that appears, note the
number and type of constraints and use them to
answer Question 1 in the Workshop 2, Review section,
page WS2-19
d. Close the Information window.
To inspect the mode to check if the model veried
successfully:
e. Right-click the small arrow at the bottom of the
information tool stack.
f. Select the verify tool.
g. From the Information window that appears, notice that
the model veried successfully.
h. Close the Information window.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 103 MSC Software | 103
Step 7. Simulate the Model
To run a simulation:
a. Select the ribbon Simulation.
b. From the options available select Run an Interactive
Simulation.
c. In the Simulation Control dialog box select End Time.
d. In the text box adjacent to End Time, enter 2.
e. In the text box adjacent to Steps enter 100.
f. Click on the Play tool.
g. When the simulation is complete, click the Reset tool.
Step 8. Save the Simulation
To save the simulation:
a. To save the last simulation results to the database
under a new name, select the Save simulation tool. The
Save Run Results dialog then appears
b. In the Name text box, enter a name for the simulation
results, such as rst_results.
c. Click OK.
d. Close the Simulation Control dialog box.
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism
104 | MSC Software
Step 9. Animate the Results
To animate the results in the default mode with icons off:
a. Switch to Animation Controls from Simulation Control.
b. To see the animation, click the Play button.
c. When the animation is complete, click the Reset tool.
d. To see the animation in incremental steps click either
the +Inc to move forward or the -Inc to rewind the
animation.
e. The step number will be listed in the center between
these two buttons.
f. When nished, click the Reset tool.
To animate the model with icons turned on:
g. At the bottom of the Animation Controls dialog box,
check icons.
h. Repeat the step from b. to f.
i. Close the Animation Controls dialog box.
Step 10. Save Your Work
To save your work so that the saved le contains only the
model information:
a. From the File menu, select Export.
b. Set File Type to Adam/View Command File.
c. In the File Name Text box, enter valve1.
d. In the Model Name text box, enter valve.
e. Click OK.
Since this is the last step for the workshop, you may
manipulate the model and experiment with it as time
permits.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 105 MSC Software | 105
Workshop Questions
How many constraints are there in this system? What type of constraints are they?





Is it possible to have more than one model in a database?






Is geometry a direct child of a model? If not, what is
geometry a child of?





If you are in the middle of an operation and you are not sure what input Adams/View wants
next, where should you look?





If you are working with our technical support staff and you want them to look at one of your
les, what le format would you send them, a .cmd or .bin? Why?





Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 15: Valvetrain Mechanism
106 | MSC Software
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Files Required
valve_train_start.cmd
Located in
exercise_dir/Example 16
Workshop Objectives
Design a cam prole based on desired valve displacement, and ensure
that there is no follower liftoff when the cam is rotated at 3000 rpm.
Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Rod
Cam
Rocker
Valve
Guide
(ground)
Valve Displacement (mm)
Time (sec)
Company Overview Brochure | 107 MSC Software | 107
Step 1. Import File
To import a le.
a. Open Adams/View from the directory exercise_dir/
Example 16.
b. From the directory exercise_dir/Example 16, import the
model command le valve_train_start.cmd.
c. The le contains a model named valve_train.
Problem Description
The model represents a valvetrain
mechanism.
The cam is being rotated at a velocity of 1
rotation per second.
The rocker pivots about a pin attached to
the engine block (ground).
The valve displaces up and down as the
rocker moves.
When the valve moves, it lets small
amounts of air in the chamber below it (not
modeled here).
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
108 | MSC Software
Step 2. Apply a Motion
a. From the ribbon Motion select Translation Motion tool
to add a motion to the joint, Valve_Ground_Jt.
b. Use the STEP function below to dene the
displacement. Add the two STEP functions together
such that the nal function looks as follows:
a. STEP(time, .4, 0,.6,13) + STEP(time,.6,0,.8,-13).
b. Enter this function in the Function(time) textbox, on
the Joint Motion dialog.
c. From ribbon simulation, select Interactive Controls.
d. From the simulation control Run a 1-second, 100-step
simulation to verify that the valve displaces as a result
of the joint motion.
Step 3. Create a Cam Profile
Use a point trace to create a cam prole:
a. To use a point trace: From the ribbon Results, select
Create Trace Spline.
b. Select the circle on the rod, rod.CIRCLE_1 and then
the part named cam.
c. Verify that you now have a spline representing
the cam prole.
d. Run a simulation to verify that the Rod appears to
move along the surface of the Cam.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 109 MSC Software | 109
Step 4. Constrain the Rod to the Cam
To constrain the rod:
a. Delete the joint motion on the joint, Valve_Ground_Jt.
b. From the ribbon Connectors, select Curve-Curve
Constraint tool to create a curve-on-curve constraint
between the circle on the Rod (CIRCLE_1) and the
cam prole on the Cam (GCURVE_232)
c. Run an interactive simulation to verify that the new
constraint works.
Step 5. Measure the Force
Measure the force in the curve-on-curve constraint. To
measure the force:
a. Create a force measure for the curve-on-curve
constraint. Right-click the constraint and then select
Measure.
b. Measure the force along the z-axis of ref_marker, which
belongs to the rod:
Characteristic: Force
Component: Z
Represent coordinates in: ref_marker
c. A strip chart for the measure will be displayed.
(Note: The curve-on-curve constraint applies a negative
force that keeps the rod follower on the cam, avoiding any
liftoff.)
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
110 | MSC Software
Step 6. Replace the Curve-
On-Curve Constraint
Make the cam-to-rod contact more realistic by replacing
the curve-on-curve constraint with a Point-to-curve
contact force. To replace the curve-on-curve constraint:
a. Deactivate the curve-on-curve constraint you created
in Step 4 on page WS21- 9.
b. From the ribbon Force, select create a contact .
c. Use the following contact parameters:
Contact Name:cam_
contact
Contact Type: Point to
Curve
Marker: ref_marker
Curve: GCURVE_201
Normal Force: Impact
Stiffness (K): 1e6 (N/
mm)
Force Exponent (e): 1.5
Damping (C): 10 (N-sec/
mm)
Penetration Depth (d):
1e-3 mm
Friction Force: Coulomb
Coulomb Friction: On
d. Use the following contact parameters continued:
Static Coefcient (s): 0.08
Dynamic Coefcient (d): 0.05
Stiction Transition Vel. (vs): 1 (mm/sec)
Friction Transition Vel. (vt): 2 (mm/sec)
e. Use the Change Direction tool next to the Directions
textbox, to make sure that the normal arrow points
outward from the curve (GCURVE_232) as shown to
the right.
f. Run an Interactive simulation to check if liftoff occurs.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 111 MSC Software | 111
Step 7. Create a Spring
Since lift off still occurs, to prevent it create a spring
damper:
a. To add a marker on the valve at the location, Valve_
Point:
From ribbon Bodies, select Construction
Geometry: Marker
Add to Part
From the screen, select valve and the location Valve_
Point.
b. From the ribbon Forces, select create Translational
Spring-Damper
Add a spring damper between the marker you just created
and the point, Ground_Point (which is a point on ground,
at the top of the guide), using the following parameters:
Stiffness (K): 20 (N/mm)
Damping (C): 0.002 (N-sec/mm)
c. To add a preload to the spring you must modify the
spring, use a pre-load of 100 N.
Step 8. Find Static Equilibrium
To nd the static equilibrium of the model:
a. From the ribbon simulation, select Interactive
Simulation. Click Find Static Equilibrium. Do not reset
the model before going on to the next step.
b. Run a dynamic simulation to view the effects of the
spring starting from static equilibrium.
c. Modify the rotational motion on the cam.
d. The speed should be 3000 rpm, so enter the
displacement function as -50*360d*time.
e. To view only one rotation of the cam, run a static
equilibrium followed by a dynamic simulation for
end=1/50 seconds, steps=100. Note: an easy way to
run this simulation sequence is to create a simulation
script.
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
Valve Point
112 | MSC Software
Step 9. Create a Measure
on the Contact Force
To create a measure on the contact force:
a. From the ribbon Design Exploration, select Create new
Function Measure
b. Change the units to force.
c. Use the category Force in Object, select Contact force
and click on Assist tab.
d. Fill out the contact Force dialog as shown below.
e. Your function should look like the one shown below in
the Function Builder.
f. Remember to Verify the function before clicking OK.
g. Rerun the simulation to populate the new measure strip
chart.
Step 10. Modify the Spring
Damper to Prevent Liftoff
a. Modify the spring-damper characteristics (stiffness,
damping, and preload) to prevent liftoff based on the
new rotational speed of the cam. Note: Experiment
with different values until the no-lift criteria is met.
b. Save the model.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 113 MSC Software | 113
Step 11. Create and Swap the
Flexible Part using ViewFlex
You will use the ViewFlex utility to convert the rigid valve
part to a exible valve part and transfer the constraints
acting on the rigid body to the exible body.
To create and swap the exible part:
a. From the ribbon Bodies, select Rigid to Flex.
b. From the Make Flexible select Create New
c. Right-click in the Part to be meshed eld and select the
Valve part.
d. Check Advanced Settings to open more settings
e. Select Size option in the Element Specication
f. Set the element size =2 and minimum size = 0.5
g. Click OK.
h. The Rigid valve is now replaced by Flexible valve as
shown below
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
114 | MSC Software
i. iFrom the Tools menu, select Database Navigator.
j. Change Browse to Graphical Topology.
k. Highlight Valve_ex part.
l. Notice that the joints and spring are now attached to
the exible valve part.
Step 12. Run a Simulation and Save
a. To view only one rotation of the cam, run a static
equilibrium followed by a dynamic simulation for
end=1/50 seconds, steps=100.
b. Use Adams/PostProcessor to investigate how the
exible body affects the model.
a. Does lift off occur in the model now?

c. Save the model
d. dIf you want to further explore the model, as suggested
in the next section, leave the model open. Otherwise,
Exit Adams/View.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 115 MSC Software | 115
Workshop Questions
How many DOF are removed by adding a curve-on-curve constraint?



How many DOF are removed by a curve-to-curve force?




Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 16: Cam-rocker-valve
116 | MSC Software
Workshop Objectives
To understand the virtual prototyping process by improving the design
of the stamping mechanism.
Software Version
Adams 2013.2
Files Required
aview.cmd
Located in the directory
exercise_dir/ Example 17
Problem Description
This model represents a mechanism for stamping parcels that are
moving along a conveyor belt.
During the work cycle, the stamp does not contact the parcels that
it is supposed to label.
To x this design aw, modify the length of the control link.
Example 17: Stamping Mechanism
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Control
Parcels
Stamp
Inking Pad
Conveyor
Company Overview Brochure | 117 MSC Software | 117
Step 2. Change the Length
of the Control Link
To change the length of the control link:
a. From the Stamper menu, select Setting Up Model. The
Stamper_Setup dialog box appears.
b. Use the left and right arrow buttons to modify the
length of the control _link.
a. The buttons shift the location of the top of the
control_link upward and downward 3 mm at a time.
b. The parts connected to the control link are
parameterized in such a way as to move the
appropriate amount automatically whenever you
adjust the length of the control link.
c. Watch the model change as you press these buttons.
d. To reset your model to the original conguration, select
Reset. Leave the Stamper_Setup dialog box open, and
continue with the next step.
Step 1. Import File
To import a le.
a. Start Adams/View.
b. From the Welcome dialog box, select Existing Model.
c. Click the le folder icon, and the Select Directory dialog
box appears.
d. Find and select the directory Exercise_dir/Example13.
e. Click OK.
f. Click on the le folder icon of the File Name, select the
le aview.cmd and click Open.
g. Click OK on the Open Existing Model dialog box.
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 17: Stamping Mechanism
118 | MSC Software
Step 3. Simulate the Model
a. To simulate the model:
b. From the Stamper menu, select Simulate. The
Stamper_Simulate dialog box appears.
c. To simulate the current design variation, ensure that
Single is selected.
d. Note: The default setting for Model Update is set to
Never. If you were to change Model Update from Never
to At Every Output Step the model would update on
the screen but would not solve faster.
e. To solve the equations of motion for the current design,
select Apply.
f. When a single simulation is completed, Adams/
View tells you what the penetration was during the
simulation. A positive number indicates penetration. To
continue, click OK.
g. Leave the Stamper_Simulate dialog box open, and
continue with the next step.
Step 4. Investigate the Results
To investigate the results:
a. From the Stamper menu, select Investigate Results.
The Stamper_Investigate dialog appears.
b. To see the motion resulting from the last simulation,
select Animate Results.
c. If necessary, use the stop sign in the lower right corner
of the window to stop an animation before it has
completed.
d. To plot the vertical travel of the stamper with respect
to the parcel tops versus time, as calculated from your
last simulation, select Measure Stamp Height above
Parcels.
e. A stripchart appears, which shows a plot of the height
of the stamp above the parcels. Note, your stripchart
may look different depending on the value you used in
the Stamper_Setup dialog. In this example that value
was 254 (see WS1-8).
f. To save an existing curve so that the next simulation
will not overwrite the exiting curve but will be
superimposed on the saved curve, select Save Curve.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 119 MSC Software | 119
Step 5. Manually Find the Correct Height
To manually nd the correct Height:
Repeat the steps on the previous pages using 3 mm
increments until you can identify the control_link length at
which the stamp makes contact with the parcels. Use this
value to answer Question 1.
Helpful hint:
If the stamp_height > 0, the stamper does not make
contact with the parcels
If the stamp_height < 0, the stamper makes contact
with parcels.
Step 6. Perform a Design Study
The design study automatically analyzes the model using
the specied upper and lower limits for control_link length
and the specied number of runs. To perform a design
study:
a. On the Stamper_Simulate dialog box, select Design
Study.
b. Default values for the upper and lower limit are given,
but you can modify these if you wish.
c. In this case, leave the number of Runs at 5.
d. To speed up the simulation, set the Model Update to
Never.
e. Click Apply to submit the design study.
f. The design study automatically analyzes the model.
Click Close on the Information Dialog that informs you
that the design study was successful.
g. After the study is complete a stripchart and information
window appear.
h. From the information window, identify the range of
the control_link length values within which the stamp
makes contact with the parcels. Use this range to
answer Question 2.
i. Close the information window.
Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 17: Stamping Mechanism
120 | MSC Software
Step 7. Perform an Optimization Study
During an optimization study, Adams/View systematically
varies the control_link length and runs a number of
simulations until the specied penetration is achieved to
within a set tolerance. To perform an optimization study:
a. On the Stamper_Simulate dialog box, select
Optimization.
b. Set the Desired Penetration to 4 mm. You do not have
to enter the units, Adams/View will automatically use
the default units set for the model.
c. Set Model Update to Never.
d. Click Apply to submit the optimization study.
e. The information window appears displaying the control_
link length for maximum penetration of 4mm.
f. Use this displayed value of the control link length to
answer Question 3.
g. Click OK to close the information window.
Supplemental Adams Tutorial Kit | for Design of Machinery Course Curriculum
Company Overview Brochure | 121 MSC Software | 121
Workshop Questions
Using 3 mm increments, at what control link length do you rst notice penetration?





From the design study, what control link length results in penetration? How does this
compare with your previous results?





If you specify a maximum desired penetration of 4 mm, what is the optimal length of
the control link? How close is the maximum actual penetration to the maximum desired
penetration?





How many moveable parts does the model consist of?





How many joints does the model consist of?





Section II: Intermediate Level | Example 17: Stamping Mechanism