Visualizing a 3-D Model
A three-dimensional model contains one or more Multibody components. To see a 3-D graphical representation of your multibody model, select the 3-D Workspace tab in the Analysis window where you can see a rendering of your model and optionally build your multibody model. To play 3-D animation of your simulation, access the 3-D Playback Window in the Simulation Results tab of the Analysis window where you can view the motion of your model.
3-D Workspace
Select the 3-D Workspace tab in the Analysis window to access the 3-D Workspace. In the 3-D Workspace you can:
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Build a complete model in three-dimensional space.
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Browse your 3-D model from all directions in three-dimensional space.
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Add shapes and lines, including geometry imported from an external CAD file, to create a realistic-looking representation of your model.
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Define individual forces acting on specific model components.
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To access the 3-D Workspace:
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From the View menu, select Show 3-D Workspace... The Analysis window opens with the 3-D Workspace tab selected. Alternatively, from the MapleSim main toolbar, click Show 3-D Workspace (
).
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Notes:
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You can build a multibody model by adding and connecting components in the model workspace or in the 3-D Workspace. Changes made to one view are automatically reflected in the other view. To drag multibody components from the Library Components tab to the 3-D Workspace, put the 3-D Workspace beside the main MapleSim window, and then drag the desired component to the 3-D Workspace.
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To keep the 3-D Workspace visible while you are building your model, click Always-On-Top (
). This allows you to add multibody components to the Model Workspace and at the same time see the 3-D visualization of your model in the 3-D Workspace.
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3-D Playback Window
The 3-D Playback Window is found in the Simulation Results tab of the Analysis window. After you simulate a model that contains multibody components, you can view a 3-D animation of your model using the Playback controls. In the 3-D Playback Window you can:
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View your 3-D model from all directions and for any component in three-dimensional space.
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Control animation and playback options to focus on the motions of specific model components.
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Jump to a specific time in the simulation.
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Increase or decrease the animation playback speed.
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Change the direction of playback to either forward or reverse.
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Analyze individual forces acting on specific model components.
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See the behavior of your model under different initial conditions and at different simulation start times by using the Snapshot feature.
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To access 3-D Playback Window:
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First, simulate your model. When the simulation finishes, click Show Simulation Results (
). The Analysis window comes into focus, with the Simulation Results tab selected. The Simulation Results tab includes both simulation plots and the 3-D Playback Window.
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From the View menu, select Show Simulation Results... Alternatively, from the MapleSim main toolbar, click Show Simulation Results (
or
).
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Tip: If the playback window is not visible, double-click 3-D Playback Window in the Plot Windows palette in the left pane of the Simulation Results tab to view it.
For more information on visualizing a 3-D model, see Chapter 4: Simulating and Visualizing a Model in the MapleSim User's Guide.
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