Systems

An analyst system is a container used to group entities that represent a mechanical or a control system.

  • A system entity defines a collection of modeling entities such as points, parts, joints, forces.
  • A model can be organized into different modular systems. Examples of system entities include a SLA suspension system, wiper blade system, or power-train system.
  • Systems can be hierarchical in nature. For example, a system can be a child of another system.
  • Systems can have attachments. Attachments help to connect a system to other entities or systems in the model.
  • Properties can be defined at the system level that can then be related to entity properties within the system, thereby controlling the model behavior at the system level.
  • Joint compliance and initial conditions can also be controlled at the system level.

Add a System

Create an empty system with a definition name and then add other entities into it.

  1. On the Motion ribbon, under Profile, select Analyst.
  2. Under Create, select the Systems/Assemblies tool.
    The guide panel is displayed.
    Figure 1.


  3. Optional: To select a Parent system, click the Advanced selector ….
  4. Optional: Edit the Label.
  5. Optional: Edit the Definition Name.
  6. Click Apply .
    A system is added to the model by creating a definition and instantiating it. It is now available for editing.
  7. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Edit a System

Edit an analyst system using the Systems tool or Property Editor.

  1. In the Model Browser, select the system.
  2. Choose from the following methods:
    Table 1.
    To use this method Do this
    Systems tool
    1. On the Motion ribbon, under Profile, select Analyst.

    2. Under Create, select the Systems tool.
    3. The guide panel is displayed.
    Property Editor
    1. From the View menu, select Property Editor.
    The selected system's properties are listed in Property Editor. Refer to System Properties.
  3. In the guide panel, under Attachments, add/modify/delete an attachment. For more information, see Attachments.

System Properties

Descriptions of system properties in the Property Editor.

Table 2.
Property Name Description
General
Name The entity's name
Variable Name The variable name, a unique identifier string of the entity
ID A unique identifying integer
Definition
Name Variable name of the definition that the system is an instance of
File Definition file name (.mdl), if the definition is included in a file
File Modified Indicates that the definition file has been modified, but not saved
Linked Indicates that the definition is shared with another instance
PropertiesLists the properties or data members
Data Members Add/delete or modify values of properties, which can be of the following data types:
  • Real
  • Integer
  • Boolean
  • String
  • File
  • Option
Compliant Toggle the compliance state of the joints within the system (affects child systems too).
Attachments Lists the attachments to the system. Click on the field value of an attachment, if any, to bring up the guide panel. Refer to Attachment to modify the attachment.
Initial Conditions
Translational Velocity
Vx, Vy, Vz Toggle and set values for translational velocities in the x, y, and z directions for the system. The initial conditions are imposed on the parts within the system.
Rotational Velocity
Wx, Wy, Wz Toggle and set values for rotational velocities about the x, y, and z directions for the system. The initial conditions are imposed on the parts within the system.
Note:
  • Properties on the system can be linked to another entity property of the same data type.
  • The Compliant option is applied to all subsystems beneath the current system.
  • The Compliant option can be overridden for individual joints in the Property Editor.
  • The initial condition applied on a part directly overrides the initial condition specified on the system.