Exploring MotionView: Understanding Graphical User Interface and Motion Simulation

Welcome to the Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications using MotionView and MotionSolve blog series! In this post, we will explore the MotionView graphical user interface and conduct a demo on Exercise 1. This exercise will introduce you to key functionalities such as opening and saving a HyperWorks Desktop session, navigating different HyperWorks clients, manipulating animations, and working with MotionView models. This guide is essential for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of multibody dynamics simulation, automotive simulation tools, and vehicle dynamics software.

Step 1: Opening and Saving a Session in MotionView

To begin, navigate to the File option in the main menu, select Open, and click on Session. All model files are organized chapter-wise, so go to Chapter 1, select the predefined session file, and click Open. This will load a pre-built MotionView model within HyperWorks.

In this view, you will notice multiple windows, including:

• HyperGraph – Used for plotting data.
• HyperView – Used for animation visualization.

These tools are essential in multibody dynamics software for analyzing simulation results.

Step 2: Exploring the MotionView Interface

The MotionView software interface contains several useful controls:

• Animation Controls: Play, pause, fast forward, and rewind options.
• Frame Rate Bar: Adjust the speed of the simulation.
• Synchronization Tools: Ensures all animation windows remain aligned.
• Window Manipulation Tools: Expand, reduce, or swap windows within the interface.

To navigate the simulation, use the following shortcuts:

• Rotate: Hold the Control key and left-click.
• Pan: Hold the Control key and right-click.
• Zoom: Hold the Control key and scroll.

Step 3: Switching Between HyperWorks Applications

MotionView for automotive engineers allows seamless switching between applications. Click on the HyperView icon, use the dropdown menu, and select MotionView. This enables smooth transitions between animation and simulation data visualization.

Step 4: Creating and Reviewing a MotionView Model

To create a new session:

• Go to File > New Session.
• Click Yes to erase the existing session.
• Open a new model by selecting File > Open > Model.
• Navigate to Chapter 1, and choose the Single Cylinder Engine Model.

This multibody dynamics modeling example consists of six bodies:

• Ground Body (default)
• Crankshaft
• Connecting Rod
• Piston
• Pin
• Outer Cylinder

All components are modeled using primitive graphics in MotionView software, primarily cylinders. The model also contains six joints:

• Ball Joint
• Fixed Joint (Pin to Piston)
• Revolute Joint (Crankshaft to Connecting Rod)
• Revolute Joint (Crankshaft to Ground Body)
• Cylindrical Joint (Piston to Cylinder)
• Fixed Joint (Cylinder to Ground)

Step 5: Applying Motion and Running a Simulation

A 1 radian per second rotational motion is applied to the crankshaft revolute joint. To run the simulation:

• Click on Run Option.
• Keep default settings and click Run.
• Click Close and then Animate.

The simulation will divide the page into two windows, with MotionView on the left and HyperView on the right.

Step 6: Modifying Simulation Parameters

To increase rotation speed:

• Change the motion input from 1 rad/s to 10 rad/s.
• Save the new file as single_cylinder_engine_model_10_rps.
• Click Run and view the updated animation.

To plot simulation results:

• Click on Plot Option.
• Select Marker Velocity > Crankshaft Rotation > WX (X-axis Rotation).
• Apply changes to see velocity values.

Final Thoughts

This exercise provided a foundational understanding of multibody dynamics using MotionView and MotionSolve software. You have now explored the interface, manipulated animations, switched between applications, and conducted a vehicle dynamics simulation. These steps are essential for mastering automotive dynamics simulation, multibody dynamics training, and vehicle system modeling.

This blog is part of our ongoing Multibody Dynamics blog series. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.

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