Chapter 1 ADAMS/Solver and MSS - University of Rochester

1 An Overview of How to Use ADAMS/Solver 1 Chapter 1 ADAMS/Solver and MSSI ntroductionThis Overview introduces the computer program Automatic Dynamic analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS). Engineers use ADAMS/Solver in the field of Mechanical System Simulation (MSS) to simulate both large and small scale motion of mechanical systems. These motions are induced by the action of applied forces or excitations that act upon the system. The purpose of this Overview is to help you use ADAMS/Solver to design and analyze mechanical systems from the most elementary pendulum, or four-bar mechanism, to the very complex suspension systems and other sophisticated mechanical devices.

2 If you are a more experienced ADAMS/Solver user, you will learn about the most recent innovations in the Overview includes the following chapters and appendix:1. ADAMS/Solver and MSS. Describes the role of ADAMS/Solver simulation code in the field of Mechanical Systems Concepts. Introduces necessary ideas to construct models for an ADAMS/Solver analysis . 3. Modeling Process. Describes a sequence of steps to create an ADAMS/Solver model, run a simulation, and review the Statements. Defines the syntax and format of statements used to define input for an ADAMS/Solver ADAMS/Solver .

3 Describes customizing procedures to define nonstandard modeling elements or to generate nonstandard ADAMS/Solver . Discusses procedures to initiate an ADAMS/Solver simulation and to control the Files. Summarizes the purpose and contents of various output A. The Ten Easy Steps to Happy Simulations. Methods for avoiding the commonly encountered pitfalls associated with ADAMS/Solver 1. ADAMS/Solver and MSS2An Overview of How to Use ADAMS/Solver Definition of MSS Mechanical System Simulation (MSS) is the study of the motion of mechanical systems caused by external forces and excitations that act on the system.

4 MSS simulates large displacement motion, , the extent of the relative motion of the components can be on the order of the overall dimensions of the system. The mechanical system consists of rigid and flexible parts interconnected by various kinds of joints and other constraining forces. The net reaction and applied forces drive the relative motion of the parts. MSS software is of growing, fundamental importance to modern Mechanical Computer-Aided Engineering (MCAE). It allows you to evaluate the design characteristics and performance of a product prior to fabrication of the prototype.

5 With MSS software, you can reduce product development costs, evaluate more design alternatives, and reduce the time it takes to bring a new product to 1. ADAMS/Solver and MSSAn Overview of How to Use ADAMS/Solver The Relationship of MSS to Other TechnologiesThe MSS software complements other programs used for Mechanical Computer-Aided Engineering. MSS can incorporate data from other software products into a complete simulation of system behavior. MSS also produces output that assists in further analysis with other computational tools.

6 As Figure 1 illustrates, MSS software exchanges data with other applications. A discussion of these applications follows Figure 1. Figure 1. MSS Software Design (CAD) creates mechanical models for MSS and displays MSS simulation Element analysis (FEA) computes mass, stiffness, and damping information to describe flexible bodies in MSS, and uses forces computed by MSS to determine system loads and boundary conditions. with software that simulates multidomain actuators, MSS models systems that interact with the forces and power flow from electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic.

7 And mechanical uses the output from the modal analysis of an experimental device in a linearized component of an MSS model for a mechanical design packages can apply the techniques of classical and modern control theory to the analysis of system motion simulated with MSS software evaluates system behavior predicted by MSS and adjusts system parameters to improve performance. In summary, other software programs can use MSS output, provide data for an MSS analysis , or both. MSS plays an important role in integrating MCAE applications.

8 MechanicalSystemSimulation StructuralAnalysis(FEA)GeometricModeling (CAD)ComponentActuationModelingOptimizat ionControlSystemDesignModalAnalysisChapt er 1. ADAMS/Solver and MSS4An Overview of How to Use ADAMS/Solver ADAMS/Solver as a Computational Tool for MSSThe capabilities of computer software have made advanced Mechanical System Simulation widely available. In particular, the ADAMS/Solver simulation code is an important computational tool in the field of Mechanical Computer-Aided Engineering (MCAE).During a simulation, ADAMS/Solver describes the locations and orientations of all mechanical system parts in terms of six coordinates, three translational, and three angular.

9 ADAMS/Solver stores time-dependent translational and angular displacements, velocities, and accelerations in the state vector. The state vector also contains current values of the reaction and applied forces on each of the parts at the constrained and inertial locations. Thus, the state vector provides a complete description of the mechanical system for a mechanical system can use the information that an ADAMS/Solver simulation generates to verify the following: System performance characteristics System response to a set of operating conditionsOn the basis of the simulation results, you can adjust the design parameters to improve the performance of the system.

10 A variety of industries use ADAMS/Solver as described below: The automotive industry uses ADAMS/Solver for the design and evaluation of -new and better suspension systems-ride and handling characteristics of passenger vehicles-anti-lock braking systems The aerospace and aircraft industries use ADAMS/Solver for the testing of virtual prototypes of -automatic control systems for maintaining satellite attitude-minimization techniques for the effects of the interaction between system controls and the mechanical structure-various other mechanisms such as landing gears and latching