Understanding Points, Expressions, and Geometry in MotionView

Welcome to the Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications using MotionView and MotionSolve blog series! In this chapter, we will explore the fundamentals of points, expressions, and geometry in MotionView software for effective multibody dynamics simulation. You will learn how to create, edit, and manipulate hard points, understand parameterization, and use graphical tools to visualize multibody dynamics modeling. 

Step 1: Understanding Hard Points in MotionView 

Hard points are essential construction elements in multibody dynamics for automotive applications. They serve as reference locations for defining model entities. In MotionView for automotive engineers, points fall under design-time entities, meaning they do not appear in the MotionSolve model (input deck) but aid in constructing other components. 

Types of Points in MotionView 

• Single Point 
• Symmetric Pair Point 
• Asymmetric Pair Point 

By default, symmetric points mirror each other about the ZX plane, making them useful for suspension models where left and right components are symmetrical. However, symmetry can be turned off in the Properties Tab to assign different characteristics to each side. 

Step 2: Creating Points in MotionView 

There are three ways to create points in MotionView training courses: 

• Model Browser Method: Navigate to Model Browser > Add > Reference Entity > Point. 
• Right-click Method: Right-click on an existing Point Folder and select Add Point. 
• Toolbar Shortcut: Click the Point Icon on the Client-Specific Toolbar. 

When adding a point, assign:

• Label Name (modifiable at any time) 
• Variable Name (fixed upon creation) 
• Type (Single or Pair Point) 

For symmetric pair points, modifying the left-hand side automatically updates the right-hand side unless symmetry is disabled. 

Step 3: Editing Points in MotionView 

Editing a point’s XYZ coordinates can be done via: 

• Points Panel: Manually enter values for each coordinate. 
• Data Summary Dialog Box: Access through Model > Data Summary to edit multiple points simultaneously. 
• Measure Tab: Used to determine distances between points. 

Step 4: Advanced Point Creation Using Macros 

MotionView software offers multiple ways to generate points efficiently: 

• Using Coordinates: Define Cartesian or Cylindrical values. 
• Along a Vector: Specify start and end nodes, and the number of intermediate points. 
• Along a Curve: Distribute points evenly along a curve. 
• At the Center of an Arc: Create a reference point at the midpoint of an arc or circle. 

Step 5: Parameterization and Expressions 

Parameterization allows linking points dynamically, reducing redundancy in multibody dynamics modeling. 

How to Parameterize Points 

• Create Point A at (0,0,0). 
• Create Point B.
• Open the Expression Builder (fx icon). 
• Link Point B’s coordinates to Point A: 
• X = X(A) + 10 
• Y = Y(A) 
• Z = Z(A) + 10 
• Click Evaluate and confirm. 

Now, moving Point A automatically updates Point B, saving time in large vehicle system modeling projects. 

Step 6: Working with MotionView Graphics 

MotionView graphics can be categorized as: 

• Implicit Graphics: Icons used for model visualization. 
• Primitive Graphics: Predefined shapes like cylinders, spheres, and boxes. 
• External Graphics: Imported CAD models from HyperMesh, SolidWorks, or CATIA. 

Adding Graphics in MotionView 

• Model Browser Method: Add > Reference Entity > Graphic. 
• Right-click Method: Select Add Graphic from the Graphics Folder. 
• Toolbar Method: Use the Client-Specific Toolbar. 

When creating graphics: 

• Associate them with a Body (e.g., Ground Body). 
• Define Origin and End Points. 
• Adjust Radius and Height properties. 

Step 7: Modifying Geometry in MotionView 

Using the Properties Tab, you can modify graphic parameters such as: 

• Radius: Set fixed values or parameterize them. 
• Visualization Settings: Change color, opacity, material properties, and mesh display. 
• Inertia Properties: Define mass and moment of inertia. 

Final Thoughts 

In this chapter, we explored how to create and manipulate points, parameterize coordinates, and visualize graphics in MotionView for beginners. These skills are crucial in automotive dynamics analysis and multibody dynamics training. 

Stay tuned for our next MotionSolve tutorial for beginners, where we will dive deeper into vehicle dynamics simulation and multibody dynamics analysis! 

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

Would you like to have a more interactive experience going through the Multibody Dynamics? 

Skill-Lync has released a FREE comprehensive course covering Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications using Motionview and Motionsolve in detail! Check it out here.

If you’re looking to go deeper into Multibody Dynamics check out Skill-Lync’s Multibody Dynamics Course.

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