Dynamic Simulation using UG NX4 Motion Simulation Module

Improve math skills of your kids - Learn step-by-step arithmetic from Math games

Math: Unknown - Step-by-step math calculation game for iOS.

Download on the App Store | Facebook | Website

Math: Unknown is much more than a math game. It is a step-by-step math calculation game which will teach users how to calculate in the correct order rather than just asking only the final calculated results.

The app consists of four basic arithmetic operations which are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In order to get started, users who are new to arithmetic can learn from animated calculation guides showing step-by-step procedures of solving each type of operation. It is also helpful for experienced users as a quick reference.

Generally, addition and subtraction may be difficult for users who just start learning math especially when questions require carrying or borrowing (also called regrouping). The app helps users to visualize the process of carrying and borrowing in the way it will be done on paper. Once users understand how these operations work, they are ready to learn multiplication and division.

For most students, division is considered as the most difficult arithmetic operation to solve. It is a common area of struggle since it requires prior knowledge of both multiplication and subtraction. To help users understand division, the app uses long division to teach all calculation procedures. Relevant multiplication table will be shown beside the question. Users will have to pick a number from the table which go into the dividend. Multiplication of selected number and divisor is automatically calculated, but the users have to do subtraction and drop down the next digit themselves. Learning whole calculation processes will make them master it in no time.

Math: Unknown is a helpful app for students who seriously want to improve arithmetic calculation skills.

Dynamic Simulation using UG NX4 Motion Simulation Module

Which software are you using in your mechanical design project?

I have been using Solid Edge 3D CAD software for 1-2 years for my mechanical design projects in the past. But now, according to the standardization in my design organization, I have to switch to use Unigraphics software instead, or we call it in short as "UG NX4" (the latest version is NX6).

To be honest, at first I still like Solid Edge because I think I can make modeling and assembly in Solid Edge faster and easier than in UG. But one of the good thing for UG is Motion Simulation module that help me simulate the movement of mechanical assemblies before releasing for manufacturing. I know that Solid Edge also has this kind of simulation module, but I didn't have a chance to use (no license). So in this post, I would like to share how easy to set up motion simulation in UG NX4.

Let's start with a very simple modeling.

I would like to see how the cylinder moves when it is pushed by the rotating lever. So I start with making UG modeling as shown above. Those parts can be "features" in single UG file or the assembly of several UG files.

Once the assembly is ready, I can then start "Motion Simulation"

At Motion Navigator, right-click and select "New Simulation"

UG NX4 will show the pop-up Motion Joint Wizard windows for automatic setting of joints for simulation. For this example I just click at cancel button in order to set the links and joints manually.

Next, what I have to do is to set necessary links and joints for motion simulation. I have to start with creating of links. Parts or features that cannot moved and no contact with other parts, can be excluded for link setting. In the example, the fixed column can be excluded from link setting. I can leave it as it is, just for showing purpose only.

First, I would set the lever as a link in motion simulation by clicking at "link" icon and select the lever and rename it as "lever"

Do the same thing for the cylinder and the block.
Why do I need to set the block as link?

I have to set the block as link though it is not moving because I would like to set the 3D contact between the cylinder and the block, otherwise the cylinder will fall down during simulation! I have to also select "fix the link" for the block in order to prevent falling down when simulation start.

At Motion Navigator, I can see the links and joint I've created. We can see that though I don't set the joint for each link yet, but there is "J001" joint at Motion Navigator pane because UG NX4 creates "fixed joint" automatically when we select "fix the link" during creating of the link.

Next, I create a revolute joint and set motion driver for the lever. This step is very important. The point and direction of joint must be correct i.e. Z-axis should be the axis of rotation.

Then I create the 3D Contact between the cylinder and the block and also between the lever and the cylinder.

Then we're ready to start simulation. But we have to make sure that the solver environment is "Dynamics" not "Kinematics" because I would like to see the effect of 3D contact. (Click at calculator icon)