Forces

Overview
Forces define loads and compliances on parts. Forces do not absolutely prohibit or prescribe motion.
Therefore, they do not add or remove degrees of freedom (DOF) from your model. Some forces can resist
motion, such as spring dampers, and some can try to induce motion.
Adams/View provides the following types of forces:
• Applied forces
• Flexible connectors - Note that flexible connectors resist motion and are simpler and easier to use
than applied forces because you only supply constant coefficients for the forces. The forces
include Beams, Bushings, translational spring dampers, and torsion springs that provide
compliant force relationships.
• Special forces - Special forces are forces that are commonly encountered, such as tire and
gravity forces.
• Contacts - Specify how parts react when they come in contact with each other when the model is
in motion.
See Create Forces Palette and Tool Stack dialog box help for more information.

Defining Force Magnitude

When defining a force’s magnitude, you can either define it as one resultant magnitude along a direction,
or you can resolve the resultant into as many as three components that are associated with the three
mutually perpendicular axes of a particular coordinate system.
You can define force magnitudes in Adams/View in the following ways:
• Enter values used to define stiffness and damping coefficients. In this case, Adams/View
automatically makes the force magnitude proportional to the distance and velocity between two
points. The coefficients represent the proportionality constants. You specify coefficients for
flexible connectors, such as spring-dampers and beams. You can also specify these values for
applied forces.
• Enter a function expression using the Adams/View library of built-in functions. You can enter
expressions for all types of applied forces. Built-in functions include the types listed below. For
more information on using expressions and available functions, see Function Builder.
• Displacement, velocity, and acceleration functions that allow the force to be related to the
movement of points or bodies in the system. Examples include springs and viscous dampers.
• Force functions that allow the force to depend on other forces in the system. An example
would be a Coulomb friction force that is proportional to the normal force between two
bodies.
• Mathematical functions, such as sine and cosine, series, polynomials, and steps.
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• Spline functions that allow the force to depend on data stored in lookup tables. Examples of
these include motors using torque-speed curves or nonlinear bushings whose stiffness is not
entirely linear.
• Impact functions that make the force act like a compression-only spring-damper that turns
on and off as bodies intermittently contact one another.
• Enter parameters that are passed to User-written subroutines that are linked to Adams/View. You
can enter parameters for all types of applied forces. You can also enter parameters to a subroutine
for the field flexible connector to create a nonlinear force between two parts. For more
information on how to use subroutines to define your force magnitudes, see the Subroutines
section of the Adams/Solver online help.

Defining Force Directions

You can define force directions in one of two ways:
• Along one or more of the axes of a marker.
• Along the line-of-sight between two points.

If your force direction remains fixed with respect to some part in your model, either a moving part or the
ground part, then you can define the force using one vector component and specify only one magnitude
and direction.
If you have two or more forces whose directions always remain perpendicular to one another (such as a
normal force and a friction force), you can either define multiple Single-component forces whose
directions are perpendicular or you can use a Multi-Component force element. You must define several
expressions, one for each of the force magnitudes you need.
If the direction along which you want the force applied is defined by the line between two points in your
model and is constantly changing throughout the Simulation, you only need to define one component of
force along this direction and one expression for the corresponding force magnitude.
As you define forces, Adams/View gives you shortcuts for defining the force application. These shortcuts
allow you to let Adams/View automatically create the force definition using only a few clicks of the
mouse. For example, as you create a bushing, you can simply specify one location. Adams/View
automatically determines the parts which should be included. You can also specify that the force be
aligned to the coordinates of the Working grid or screen or a feature of a part.

Applied Forces
Applied forces are forces that define loads and compliances on parts so they move in certain ways.
Adams/View provides a library of applied forces that you can use. Applied forces give you a great deal
of flexibility, but they require work to model simple forces. Instead of using applied forces, you may want
to consider using the flexible connectors, which model several commonly used force elements, or special
forces, which provide environmental and complex forces.
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Forces

Applied forces can have one, three, or six components (three translational and three rotational) that define
the resultant force. For example, a single-component force or torque defines the force using a single
component, while a multi-component force or torque defines the force using three or more components.
The following figure shows all six possible force components associated with a particular coordinate
system’s x-, y-, and z-axes.

As you create applied forces, you specify:

• Parts to which the force is applied and its direction - You can apply the force to two parts or to
one part and ground. Adams/View creates a marker on each part. The first part you select is the
action body and receives the force action. The second part you select is the reaction body and
receives the force reaction. If you specify one part and ground, the reaction force is on the
ground part, and, thus, has no effect on your model.
• Characteristic, which defines the magnitude of the force. You can specify:
• Constant force - You enter a constant force value. When Adams/View creates the force, it
uses the value you enter as the force function. When you modify the force, you can change
the value or enter a function expression or parameters to a user-written subroutine as
explained for the Custom option below.
• Bushing or spring-like - Adams/View creates a function expression defining the linear
stiffness and damping forces based on the stiffness and damping coefficients that you
specify.
• Custom - You define the magnitude of the force as a function of any combination of
displacements, velocities, other applied forces, user-defined variables, and time. You can
write a function expression or enter parameters to be passed to a User-written subroutine (for
example, SFOSUB or VFOSUB) that is linked into Adams/View. You define the constitutive
equation for the force applied to the action body. Adams/View evaluates the reaction forces
on the reaction body. You can also specify an alternative library and name for the user
subroutine. Learn about specifying routines with ROUTINE Argument.
Adams/View evaluates the signed magnitude of the force and applies it to the selected body or
bodies.
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Single-Component Forces
To create a single-component force:
1. From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select either:
• to create a single-component force.
• to create a single-component torque.
2. In the settings container, specify the following:
• The number of parts and the nature of the force direction. You can select the following:
• Space Fixed
• Body Moving
• Two Bodies
Learn about Specifying Force Direction for Single-Component Forces.
• How you want the force oriented. You can select:
• Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force normal to the current Working grid, if it is
displayed, or normal to the screen.
• Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a feature in your model,
such as along an edge or normal to the face of a part.
• The characteristics of the force. You can select the following:
• Constant force/torque - Enter a constant force or torque value or let Adams/View use the
default value.
• Spring-Damper - Enter stiffness and damping coefficients and let Adams/View create a
function expression for damping and stiffness based on the coefficient values. (Not available
when you are using the Main toolbar to access the force tool.)
• Custom - Adams/View does not set any values for you, which, in effect, creates a force with
zero magnitude. After you create the force, you modify it by entering a function expressions
or parameters to a SFOSUB User-written subroutine that is linked to Adams/View. You can
also specify an alternative library and name for the user subroutine. Learn about specifying
a routine with ROUTINE Argument.
3. Do one of the following depending on whether you are creating a single-component force or
torque:
• For a single-component force, select the action body. If you selected to create a torque
between two parts, select the reaction body and then select the points of application on the two
bodies. Be sure to select the point of application on the action body first.
• For a single-component torque, select the action body. If you selected to create a torque
between two parts, select the reaction body and then select the points of application on the two
bodies. Be sure to select the point of application on the action body first.
4. If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector on a feature, move the cursor around in
your model to display an arrow representing the direction along a feature where you want the
force oriented. When the direction vector represents the desired orientation, click.
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Forces

Modifying Single-Component Forces

The following procedure explains how to modify the following for a single-component force:
• Force direction, if only one part is affected.
• Action body to which the force is applied. If you created the force between two parts, you can
also change the reaction body. You cannot change a force created on one part and ground to a
force created between two parts because the direction methods are not compatible. You’ll have to
delete the force and create it again.
• Force magnitude.
• Force graphics.

Learn about Specifying Force Direction for Single-Component Forces.

To modify a single-component force:

1. Display the Modify Force dialog box as explained in the Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes.
2. Set the following in the dialog box, and then select OK.

To: Do the following:

Set the Select either:
number of
parts affected • On One Body, Fixed in Space - Sets the force direction so it is applied to a part.
and the The force direction is fixed on ground.
direction of • On One Body, Moving with Body - Sets the force so it is applied to a part. The
the force part defines the direction of the force.
• On One Body, Moving with Other Body - Sets the force so it is applied to a part.
A second part (the direction part) defines the direction of the force.
• Between Two Bodies - Creates a force between two parts. One of the parts can be
ground. You cannot change a force on one part to a force defined between two parts
or the reverse. You can, however, change a torque on one part to a torque on two
parts or the reverse.
Set the Change the values in the following text boxes as necessary. The text boxes available
bodies used depend on how you defined the direction of the force.
in defining
the force • Body - Change the action body to which the force is applied.
• Action Body - For a force defined between two parts, change the action body to
which the force is applied.
• Reaction Body - Change the body that receives the reaction forces.
• Direction Body - Change the body that defines the direction of the force if you
selected the direction option, On One Body, Moving with Other Body.
Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
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To: Do the following:

Change the Set Define Using to how you will define the force. Select:
force
function • Function to define using a numerical value or function expression.
defining the If you selected Function, enter the following in the Function (time) text box that
magnitude of appears:
the force
• Constant force value
• Function expression
To enter a function expression, next to the Function text box, select the More
button to display the Function Builder.

• Subroutine to define using a User-written subroutine SFOSUB or you can specify

an alternative library and name for the user subroutine in the Routine text box.
Learn about specifying routines with ROUTINE Argument.
If you selected Subroutine for Define Using, enter the parameters to be passed to a
user-written subroutine and its ID. Entering an ID is optional.
Force Set whether you want to display force graphics for one of the parts, both, or none. By
Display default, Adams/View displays the force graphic on the action body for single-
component forces.

Specifying Force Direction for Single-Component Forces

When you create a single-component force, you have three options for specifying the number of parts
affected and the direction of the force:
• Space fixed - Applies the single-component force to one part, or action body, that you select.
Adams/View automatically applies the reaction force to ground. You specify a direction for the
force. The direction never changes. It remains fixed in space during the simulation, even if the
action body moves because the marker used to define the force direction is attached to the
ground part.
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Forces

• Body moving - Applies the single-component force to one part, or action body, that you select.
Adams/View automatically applies the reaction force to ground. You specify a direction for the
force. The direction can change during the simulation because the coordinate system marker
used to define the force direction is attached to the action body. You can attach the direction
marker to a different part when you modify the force.

• Two bodies - Applies the single-component force to two parts that you select, at two locations
that you select. Adams/View defines the direction based on the line of sight between the two
locations you selected.

Multi-Component Forces
To define more complex forces, you can use multi-component forces. Multi-component forces apply
translational and/or rotational force between two parts in your model using three or more orthogonal
components. The following lists the different types of multi-component forces:
• Three-component force
• Three-component torque
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• Six-component general force

A multi-component force applies an action force to the first part you select, which is called the action
body. Adams/View automatically applies a corresponding reaction force to the second part you select,
which is called the reaction body. If you define the force characteristics as bushing-like, Adams/View
generates equations to represent a linear spring-damper in the specified component directions.
To define the points of application of the multi-component force, Adams/View creates a marker for each
part. The marker belonging to the action body is the action marker, and the marker belonging to the
reaction body is the reaction marker. Adams/View keeps the reaction marker coincident with the action
marker at all times. The reaction marker is often referred to as a floating marker because its location is
not fixed relative to the body to which it belongs. Action and reaction markers are also referred to as I
and J markers.
Adams/View also creates a third marker called a reference (R) marker that indicates the direction of the
force. You define the orientation of the reference marker when you create a multi-component force. You
can align the marker to the working grid, if it is turned on, or to the global coordinate system. You can
also orient the marker using any feature in your model, such as along an edge of a part.
Example of Action and Reaction Force Movement
The following figure illustrates the movement of reaction forces and the placement of the reference
marker. The figure shows a ball bouncing on a board. As the ball bounces, its location changes relative
to the board. The reaction forces applied to the board also change location because the reaction (J) marker
moves with the ball. The reaction forces applied to the board do not change direction because the
reference (R) marker belongs to the stationary board.

Tip: You can use the Info command to see the markers that Adams/View creates for a multi-
component force. You can also see the markers when you modify the force. Learn about
Displaying Object Information and Accessing Information Window.
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Forces

Total Force Equations

For a six-component general force and a three-component force, the total force that Adams/Solver
supplies is the vector sum of the individual force components that you specify. Its magnitude is the square
root of the sum of the squares of the three mutually-orthogonal force components:

F a = FXx̂ rm + FYŷ rm + FZẑ rm

where:

• F a is the action applied to the action body.

• FX is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the x-component.
• FY is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the y-component.
• FZ is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the z-component.

• x̂ rm is a unit vector along the + x direction of the reference marker.

• ŷ rm is a unit vector along the + y direction of the reference marker.

• ẑ rm is a unit vector along the + z direction of the reference marker.

The values of the reaction forces are:

Fr = –Fa
where r is the reaction force applied to the reaction body. If you apply the force to a part and ground,
Adams/Solver does not calculate the reaction forces.

Total Torque Equations

For a Six-component general force and a Three-component torque, the magnitude of the torque is the
square root of the sum of the squares of the magnitudes of the three mutually orthogonal torque
components, such that:

T a = TXx̂ rm + TYŷ rm + TZẑ rm

where:

• T a is the action applied to the action body.

• TX is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the x component according to
the right-hand rule.
• TY is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the y component according to
the right-hand rule.
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• TZ is the user-defined function defining the magnitude and sign of the z component according to
the right-hand rule.

• x̂ rm is a unit vector along the + x direction of the reference marker.

• ŷ rm is a unit vector along the + y direction of the reference marker.

• ẑ rm is a unit vector along the + z direction of the reference marker.
The reaction torque applied to the reaction body is:

Tr = –Ta

where T r is the reaction torque applied to the reaction body. If you apply the torque to a part and ground,
Adams/Solver does not calculate the reaction torques.

Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts

When you create Multi-Component forces, Adams/View provides you with shortcuts for specifying the
parts to which the force is to be applied. As you create a multi-component force, you can select one of
the methods listed below. These methods also apply to bushings, fields, and torsion springs.
• 1 Location - Lets you select the location of the force and have Adams/View determine the two
parts to which it should be applied. Adams/View selects the parts closest to the point of
application. If there is only one part near the point, Adams/View applies the force to that part and
ground. Note that letting Adams/View select the parts is only appropriate when two parts are
located near each other and when it does not matter which part is the action body and which is
the reaction body.
• 2 Bodies - 1 Location - Lets you select the two parts to which the force will be applied and the
common point of application on each part. The first part you select is the action body; the second
part is the reaction body.
• 2 Bodies - 2 Locations - Lets you select the two parts to which the force is applied and a
different location for the force on each part. If the markers defining the locations of the forces are
not coincident and aligned, the forces may be nonzero at the beginning of the simulation.
 11
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The table summarizes the bodies and locations you specify as you create a force.

The method: Number of bodies: Number of points:

1 Location 0 1
2 Bodies - 1 Location 2 1
2 Bodies - 2 Locations 2 2

Tip: To precisely orient your force, first orient the Working grid so its x-, y-, and z-axes align
with the desired force axes. Then, use the Normal To Grid orientation method when you
create the force. Learn about the Working Grid dialog box

Creating Multi-Component Forces

To create multi-component forces:

1. From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select either:
• to create a three-component force.
• to create a three-component torque.
• to create a six-component general force.
2. In the settings container, specify the following:
• The method you want to use to define the bodies and force-application points. You can select
the following:
• 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 2 Locations
Learn about Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts.
• How you want the force oriented. You can select:
• Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force normal to the current Working grid, if it is
displayed, or normal to the screen.
• Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a feature in your model,
such as along an edge or normal to the face of a part.
• The characteristics of the force. You can select the following:
• Constant force/torque - Enter a constant force or torque value or let Adams/View use the
default value.
• Bushing-like - Enter stiffness and damping coefficients and let Adams/View create a
function expression for damping and stiffness based on the coefficient values.
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• Custom - Adams/View does not set any values for you. After you create the force, you
modify it by entering a function expressions or parameters to a standard User-written
subroutine that is linked to Adams/View. You can also specify your own rotine with
ROUTINE Argument.
3. Click the bodies.
4. Click one or two force-application points depending on the location method you selected.
5. If you selected to orient the force along direction vectors using features, move the cursor around
in your model to display an arrow that shows the direction along a feature where you want the
force oriented. Click when the direction vector shows the correct x-axis orientation and then click
again for the y-axis orientation.

Modifying Multi-Component Forces

The procedure below modifies the following for a Multi-Component force:
• Action and reaction body to which the force is applied or the action and reaction markers.
• reference marker.
• Force magnitude.
• Force graphics.

Learn about:
• Total Force Equations
• Total Torque Equations
• Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts

To modify a multi-component force:

1. Display a Modify Force dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes.

2. Set the following in the dialog box, and then select OK.
To:
Set the bodies or markers
used in defining the force
Change the reference
marker that indicates the
direction of the force
Change how the
characteristics of the force
are defined
Force Display
Flexible Connectors
Bushings
Creating Bushings
To define a bushing, you need to create two markers, one for each part. The marker on the first part that
you specify is called the I marker. The marker on the second part that you specify is called the J marker.
13
Forces
Do the following:
From the pull-down menus, select whether or not you want to define the
force using bodies or markers. Then, enter values in the text boxes, as
appropriate. The text boxes that are available depend on how you
defined the direction of the force.
• Action Part/Action Marker - Change the action body or
marker to which the force is applied.
• Reaction Part/Reaction Marker - Change the reaction body or
marker that receives the reaction forces.
Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
In the Reference Marker text box, change the reference marker that
indicates the direction of the force.
Set Define Using to how you want to define the force. Select:
• Function to define using a numerical value or function
expression, and then enter either a constant force value or
function expression for each component of the force. To enter a
function expression, next to the Function (time) text box, select
the More button to display the Function Builder.
• Subroutine to define using a User-written subroutine, and then
enter the parameters to be passed to a user-written subroutine
and the ID of the force being modified. In the Routine text box,
you can also specify an alternative library and name for the user
subroutine. Learn about specifying routines with ROUTINE
Argument.
Set to whether you want to display force graphics for one of the parts,
both, or none. By default, Adams/View displays the force graphic on the
action body.
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Learn about Constitutive Equations for Bushings.

To create a bushing:
1. From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the Bushing tool .
2. In the settings container, specify the following:
• How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
• 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 2 Locations
Learn about Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts.
• How you want the force oriented. You can select:
• Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force using the x-, y-, and z-axes of the current
Working grid, if it is displayed, or using the x-, y, and z-axes of the screen.
• Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a feature in your model,
such as the face of a part. The direction vector you select defines the z-axis for the force;
Adams/View automatically calculates the x- and y-axes.
• The translational and rotational stiffness and damping properties for the bushing.
3. Click the bodies.
4. Click one or two force-application points depending on the location method you selected.
5. If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector using a feature, move the cursor around
in your model to display an arrow that shows the direction along a feature where you want the
force oriented. Click when the direction vector shows the correct z-axis orientation.

Modifying Bushings
The following procedure modifies the following for a Bushing:
• The two bodies to which the forces are applied.
• Translational and rotational properties for stiffness, damping, and preload.
• Force graphics.

Learn about Constitutive Equations for Bushings.

To modify a bushing:
1. Display the Modify Bushing dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes.
 15
Forces

2. Enter the values in the dialog box as explained the table below, and then select OK.

To: Do the following:

Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
Set the bodies used in Change the following as necessary in the following text boxes. The text boxes
defining the force available depend on how you defined the direction of the force.

• Action Body - Change the action body to which the force is applied.
• Reaction Body - Change the body that receives the reaction forces.
Change the properties For the translational force applied by the bushing, enter:
of the force
• Three stiffness coefficients.
• Three viscous-damping coefficients. The force due to damping is zero
when there are no relative translational velocities between the markers
on the action and reaction bodies.
• Enter three constant force (preload) values. Constant values indicate
the magnitude of the force components along the x-, y-, and z-axeis of
the coordinate system marker of the reaction body (J marker) when
both the relative translational displacement and velocity of the markers
on the action and reaction bodies are zero.
For the rotational (torque) properties, enter:

• Three stiffness coefficients.

• Three viscous-damping coefficients. The torque due to damping is
zero when there are no relative rotational velocities between the
markers on the action and reaction bodies.
• Three constant torque (preload) values. Constant values indicate the
magnitude of the torque components about the x-, y-, and z-axes of the
coordinate system marker on the reaction body (J marker) when both
the relative rotational displacement and velocity of the markers on the
action and reaction bodies are zero.
Set force graphics Set Force Display to whether you want to display force graphics for one of the
parts, both, or none.
16 Adams/View
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Constitutive Equations for Bushings

The following constitutive equations define how Adams/View uses the data for a linear Bushing to apply
a force and a torque to the action body depending on the displacement and velocity of the I marker on the
action body relative to the J marker on the reaction body.

Note: A bushing has the same constitutive relation form as a field element. The primary
difference between the two forces is that nondiagonal coefficients (Kij and Cij, where i is
not equal to j) are zero for a bushing. You only define the diagonal coefficients (Kii and
Cii) when creating a bushing. For more on field elements, see Field Element Tool.

where:
• Fx, Fy, and Fz are measure numbers of the translational force components in the coordinate
system of the J marker.
• x, y, and z are measure numbers of the bushing deformation vector in the coordinate system of
the J marker.
• Vx, Vy, and Vz are time derivatives of x, y, and z, respectively.
• F1, F2, and F3 are measure numbers of any constant preload force components in the coordinate
system of the J marker.
• Tx, Ty, and Tz are rotational force components in the coordinate system of the J marker.
 17
Forces

• a, b, and c are projected, small-angle rotational displacements of the I marker with respect to the
J marker.
• wx, wy, and wz are the measure numbers of the angular velocity of the I marker as seen by the J
marker, expressed in the J marker coordinate system.
• T1, T2, and T3 are measure numbers of any constant preload torque components in the
coordinate system of the J marker.
The bushing element applies an equilibrating force and torque to the J marker in the following way:

where:

•  is the instantaneous deformation vector from the J marker to the I marker. While the force at
the J marker is equal and opposite to the force at the I marker, the torque at the J marker is
usually not equal to the torque at the I marker because of the moment arm due to the deformation
of the bushing element.
For the rotational constitutive equations to be accurate, at least two of the rotations (a, b, c) must be small.
That is, two of the three values must remain smaller than 10 degrees. In addition, if a becomes greater
than 90 degrees, b becomes erratic. If b becomes greater than 90 degrees, a becomes erratic. Only c can
become greater than 90 degrees without causing convergence problems. For these reasons, it is best to
define your bushing such that angles a and b remain small (not a and c and not b and c).

Translational Spring Dampers

A translational spring damper represents forces acting between two parts over a distance and along a
particular direction. You specify the locations of the spring damper and points on two parts. Adams/View
calculates the spring and damping forces based on the distance between the locations on the two parts
and their rate of change, respectively.
It applies an action force to the first part you select, called the action body, and applies an equal and
opposite reaction force to the second part you select, called the reaction body. The forces are both directed
along the line connecting the spring-damper endpoints, often called the line of sight. A positive action
18 Adams/View
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force tends to push the action body away from the reaction body. A negative action force tends to pull
the action body toward the reaction body.

You can specify the damping and stiffness values as coefficients or use splines to define the relationships
of damping to velocity or stiffness to displacement. You can also set the stiffness value to 0 to create a
pure damper or set the damping value to 0 to create a pure spring.
You can also set a reference length for the spring, as well as a preload force. By default, Adams/View
uses the length of the spring damper when you create it as its reference length.

Creating Translational Spring Dampers

You add a Translational spring damper to your model by defining the locations on two parts between
which the spring damper acts. You define the action force that is applied to the first location, and
Adams/Solver automatically applies the equal and opposite reaction force to the second location.

Learn about Equations Defining the Force of Spring Dampers.

To create a spring damper:

1. From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Translational Spring Damper tool .
2. If desired, in the Settings container, enter stiffness (K) and damping (C) coefficients.
3. Select a location for the spring damper on the first part. This is the action body.
4. Select a location for the spring damper on the second part. This is the reaction body.

Modifying Translational Spring Dampers

For a Translational spring damper, you can modify:
• Parts between which the spring damper acts.
• Stiffness and damping values, including specifying splines that defines the relationship of
stiffness to displacement and damping to velocity. Learn about Splines.
• Preload values.
• Whether or not spring, damper, and force graphics appear.
 19
Forces

Learn about Equations Defining the Force of Spring Dampers.

To modify a spring damper:

1. Display the Modify a Spring-Damper Force dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog
Boxes.
2. In the Action Body and Reaction Body text boxes, change the parts to which the spring-damper
force is applied, if desired.
3. Enter values for stiffness and damping as explained in the table below, and then select OK.

To: Do the following:

Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
Stiffness Select one of the following:

• Stiffness Coefficient and enter a stiffness value for the spring damper.
• No Stiffness to turn off all spring forces and create a pure damper.
• Spline: F=f(defo) and enter a spline that defines the relationship of
force to deformation. Learn about Splines.
Damping Select one of the following:

• Damping Coefficient and enter a viscous damping value for the spring
damper.
• No Damping to turn off all damping forces and create a pure spring.
• Spline: F=f(velo) and enter a spline that defines the relationship of force
to velocity. Learn about Splines.
20 Adams/View
Forces

To: Do the following:

Length and preload • In the Preload text box, enter the preload force for the spring damper.
of spring Preload force is the force of the spring damper in its reference position.
• Select either:
• Default Length to automatically use the length of the spring
damper when you created it as its reference length.
• Length at Preload and enter the reference length of the spring at its
preload position.
Tip: If you set preload to zero, then displacement at preload is the same
as the spring’s free length. If the preload value is non-zero, then
the displacement at preload is not the same as the spring’s free
length.
Set graphics Set any of the following:

• Graphics - Specify whether coil spring graphics are always on, always
off, or on whenever you have defined a spring coefficient.
• Force Display - Specify whether you want to display force graphics for
one of the parts, both, or none. By default, Adams/View displays the
force graphic on the action body.
• Damper Graphic - Specify whether cylinder damper graphics are
always on, always off, or on whenever you have defined a damping
coefficient.

Equations Defining the Force of Spring Dampers

The magnitude of the translational force of a spring damper is linearly dependent upon the relative
displacement and velocity of the two locations that define the endpoints of the spring damper. The
following linear relation describes the action force:
force = -C(dr/dt) - K(r - LENGTH) + PRELOAD
where:
• r is the distance between the two locations that define the spring damper measured along the
line-of-sight between them.
• dr/dt is the relative velocity of the locations along the line-of-sight between them.
• C is the viscous damping coefficient.
• K is the spring stiffness coefficient.
• PRELOAD defines the reference force of the spring.
• LENGTH defines the reference length, so that when r = LENGTH, then force = PRELOAD.
 21
Forces

Torsion Springs
A torsion spring force is a rotational spring-damper applied between two parts. It applies the action
torque to the first part you select, called the action body, and applies an equal and opposite reaction torque
to the second part you select, called the reaction body.
Adams/View creates a marker at each location. The marker on the first location you specify is called the
I marker. The marker on the second location that you specify is called the J marker. The right-hand rule
defines a positive torque. Adams/View assumes that the z-axes of the I and J markers remain aligned at
all times.
The following linear constitutive equation describes the torque applied at the first body:
torque = -CT*da/dt - KT*(a-ANGLE) + TORQUE
Adams/Solver automatically computes the terms da/dt and a. The term a is the angle between the x axes
of the I and the J markers. Adams/Solver takes into account the total number of complete turns.

You can specify the damping and stiffness values as coefficients or use a spline to define the relationship
of damping to velocity or stiffness to displacement. You can also set the stiffness value to 0 to create a
pure damper or set the damping values to 0 to create a pure spring. Learn about defining Splines.
You can also set the rotation angle of the torsion spring when it is in its preload state and any preload
forces on the spring. By default, Adams/View uses the rotation angle of the torsion spring when you
create it as its preload angle.

Creating Torsion Springs

To create a Torsion spring:

1. From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the Torsion Spring tool .
2. In the settings container, specify the following:
• How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
• 1 location
• 2 bodies - 1 location
22 Adams/View
Forces

• 2 bodies - 2 locations
Learn about Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts.
• How you want the force oriented. You can select:
• Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force using the x-, y-, and z-axes of the current
Working grid, if it is displayed, or using the x-, y, and z-axes of the screen.
• Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a feature in your model,
such as the face of a part. The direction vector you select defines the z-axis for the force;
Adams/View calculates the x- and y-axes automatically.
• The torsional stiffness (KT) and torsional damping (CT) coefficients.
3. Click the bodies, unless Adams/View is automatically selecting them (1 location method).
4. Click one or two force-application points, depending on the location method you selected.
5. If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector using a feature, move the cursor around
in your model to display an arrow that shows the direction along a feature where you want the
force oriented. Click when the direction vector shows the correct z-axis orientation.

Modifying Torsion Springs

After you’ve created a Torsion spring, you can modify:
• Parts between which the torque acts
• Stiffness and damping values
• Preload values
• Force graphics

To modify a torsion spring:

1. Display the Modify a Torsion Spring dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes.
2. In the Action Body and Reaction Body text boxes, change the parts to which the torsion spring
is applied, if desired.
 23
Forces

3. Enter values for stiffness and damping as explained in the table below, and then select OK.

To: Do the following:

Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
Stiffness Select one of the following:

• Stiffness Coefficient and enter a stiffness value for the torsion

spring.
• No Stiffness to turn off all spring forces and create a pure
damper.
• Spline: F=f(defo) and enter a spline that defines the relationship
of force to deformation. Learn about Splines.
Damping Select one of the following:

• Damping Coefficient and enter a viscous damping value for the

torsion spring.
• No Damping to turn off all damping forces and create a pure
spring.
• Spline: F=f(velo) and enter a spline that defines the relationship
of force to velocity. Learn about Splines.
Preload force and angle of • In the Preload text box, enter the preload force for the torsion
spring spring. Preload force is the force of the torsion spring in its
preload position.
• Select either:
• Default Angle to set the rotation angle of the spring when
you created it as its preload position.
• Angle at Preload and enter the angle of the spring at its
preload position.
Set graphics Set Torque Display to whether you want to display force graphics for
one of the parts, both, or none.

Beams
A beam creates a linear translational and rotational force between two locations that define the endpoints
of the beam. It creates markers at each endpoint. The marker on the action body, the first part you select,
is the I marker. The marker on the reaction body, the second part you select, is the J marker. The forces
the beam produces are linearly dependent on the relative displacements and velocities of the markers at
the beam’s endpoints.
See Beam example of two markers (I and J) that define the endpoints of the beam and indicates the twelve
forces (s1 to s12) it produces.
24 Adams/View
Forces

The x-axis of the J marker defines the centroidal axis of the beam. The y-axis and z-axis of the J marker
are the principal axes of the cross section. They are perpendicular to the x-axis and to each other. When
the beam is in an undeflected position, the I marker has the same angular orientation as the J marker, and
the I marker lies on the x-axis of the J marker. Adams/View applies the following forces in response to
the translational and the rotational deflections of the I marker with respect to the J marker:
• Axial forces (s1 and s7)
• Bending moments about the y-axis and z-axis (s5, s6, s11, and s12)
• Twisting moments about the x-axis (s4 and s10)
• Shear forces (s2, s3, s8, and s9)

You can use a field element instead of a beam to define a beam with characteristics unlike those that the
beam assumes. For example, a field element can define a beam with a nonuniform cross section or a beam
with nonlinear material characteristics.

Caution: By definition a beam is asymmetric. Holding the J marker fixed and deflecting the I marker
produces different results than holding the I marker fixed and deflecting the J marker by
the same amount. This asymmetry occurs because the coordinate system frame that the
deflection of the beam is measured in moves with the J marker.

Constitutive Equations for Beams

The following constitutive equations define how Adams/Solver uses the data for a linear field to apply a
force and a torque to the I marker on the action body of a Beam. The force and torque it applies depends
 25
Forces

on the displacement and velocity of the I marker relative to the J marker on the reaction body. The
constitutive equations are analogous to those in the finite element method.

where:
• Fx, Fy, and Fz are the measure numbers of the translational force components in the coordinate
system of the J marker.
• x, y, and z are the translational displacements of the I marker with respect to the J marker
measured in the coordinate system of the J marker.
• Vx, Vy, and Vz are the time derivatives of x, y, and z, respectively.
• Tx, Ty, and Tz are the rotational force components in the coordinate system of the J marker.
• a, b, and c are the relative rotational displacements of the I marker with respect to the J marker as
expressed in the x-, y-, and z-axis, respectively, of the J marker.
• wx, wy, and wz are the measure numbers of the angular velocity of the I marker as seen by the J
marker, expressed in the J marker coordinate system.

Note: Both matrixes, Cij and Kij, are symmetric, that is, Cij=Cji and Kij=Kji. You define the
twenty-one unique damping coefficients when you modify the beam.

Adams/Solver defines each Kij in the following way:

K11 = E A / LK22 = 12 E Izz /[L3 (1+Py)]
26 Adams/View
Forces

K26 = -6 E Izz /[L2 (1+Py)]

K33 = 12 E Iyy /[L3 (1+Pz)]
K35 = 6 E Iyy /[L2 (1+Pz)]
K44 = G Ixx / L
K55 = (4+Pz) E Iyy /[L (1+Pz)]
K66 = (4+Py) E Izz /[L (1+Py)]
where:
• E = Young’s modulus of elasticity for the beam material.
• A = Uniform area of the beam cross section.
• L = Undeformed length of the beam along the x-axis.
• Py = 12 E Izz ASY/(G A L2)
• z = 12 E Iyy ASZ/(G A L2)
• ASY = Correction factor (shear area ratio) for shear deflection in the y direction for Timoshenko
beams.
• ASZ = Shear area ratio for shear deflection in the z direction for Timoshenko beams.

Adams/Solver applies an equilibrating force and torque at the J marker on the reaction body, as defined
by the following equations:

L is the instantaneous displacement vector from the J marker to the I marker. While the force at the J
marker is equal and opposite to the force at the I marker, the torque is usually not equal and opposite,
because of the force transfer.

Creating Beams

To create a beam:
1. From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Massless Beam tool .
2. Select a location for the beam on the first part. This is the action body.
3. Select a location for the beam on the second part. This is the reaction body.
4. Select the direction in the upward (y) direction for the cross-section geometry.

Modifying Beams
After you’ve created a Beam, you can modify the following:
• Markers between which the beam acts.
• Stiffness and damping values.
• Material properties of the beam, such as its length and area.
 27
Forces

Learn about Constitutive Equations for Beams.

To modify a beam:
1. Display the Force Modify Element Like Beam dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog
Boxes.
2. In the New Beam Name text box, enter a new name for the beam, if desired.
3. In the Solver ID text box, assign a unique ID number to the beam.
4. Enter any comments about the beam that might help you manage and identify the beam.
5. Enter values for the beam properties as explained in the table below, and then select OK.

To set: Do the following:

Area moments of Enter the following:
inertia
• In the Ixx text box, enter the torsional constant. The torsional constant
is sometimes referred to as the torsional shape factor or torsional
stiffness coefficient. It is expressed as unit length to the fourth power.
For a solid circular section, Ixx is identical to the polar moment of
inertia J= . For thin-walled sections, open sections, and non-
circular sections, you should consult a handbook.
• In the Iyy and Izz text boxes, enter the area moments of inertia about
the neutral axes of the beam cross sectional areas (y-y and z-z). These
are sometimes referred to as the second moment of area about a given
axis. They are expressed as unit length to the fourth power. For a solid
circular section, Iyy=Izz= . For thin-walled sections, open
sections, and non-circular sections, you should consult a handbook.
Area of the beam cross In the Area of Cross Section text box, enter the uniform area of the beam
section cross-section geometry. The centroidal axis must be orthogonal to this cross
section.
28 Adams/View
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Shear area ratio In the Y Shear Area Ratio and Z Shear Area Ratio text boxes, specify the
correction factor (the shear area ratio) for shear deflection in the y and z
direction for Timoshenko beams. If you want to neglect the deflection due to
shear, enter zero in the text boxes.

For the y direction:

where:

• Qy is the first moment of cross-sectional area to be sheared by a force

in the z direction.
• lz is the cross section dimension in the z direction.
For the z direction:

where:

• Qz is the first moment of cross-sectional area to be sheared by a force

in the y direction.
• ly is the cross section dimension in the y direction.
Common values for shear area ratio based on the type of cross section are:

• Solid rectangular - 6/5

• Solid circular - 10/9
• Thin wall hollow circular - 2
Note: The K1 and K2 terms that are used by MSC/NASTRAN for
defining the beam properties using PBEAM are the inverse of the y
shear and z shear values that Adams/View uses.
Young’s and shear In the Young’s Modulus and Shear Modulus text boxes, enter Young’s and
modulus of elasticity shear modulus of elasticity for the beam material.
Length of beam Enter the undeformed length of the beam along the x-axis of the J marker on
the reaction body.
 29
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Damping ratio or Select either:
damping matrix
• Damping Ratio and enter a damping value to establish a ratio for
calculating the structural damping matrix for the beam. To obtain the
damping matrix, Adams/Solver multiplies the stiffness matrix by the
value you enter for the damping ratio.
• Matrix of Damping Terms and enter a six-by-six structural damping
matrix for the beam. Because this matrix is symmetric, you only need
to specify one-half of the matrix. The following matrix shows the
values to input:

Enter the elements by columns from top to bottom, then from left to
right. The damping matrix defaults to a matrix with thirty-six zero
entries; that is, r1 through r21 each default to zero.
The damping matrix should be positive semidefinite. This ensures
that damping does not feed energy into the model. Adams/Solver does
not warn you if the matrix is not positive semidefinite.
30 Adams/View
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Markers that define Specify the two markers between which to define a beam. The I marker is on
the beam the action body and the J marker is on the reaction body. The J marker
establishes the direction of the force components.

By definition, the beam lies along the positive x-axis of the J marker.
Therefore, the I marker must have a positive x displacement with respect to
the J marker when viewed from the J marker. In its undeformed configuration,
the orientation of the I and the J markers must be the same.

When the x-axes of the markers defining a beam are not collinear, the beam
deflection and, consequently, the force corresponding to this deflection are
calculated. To minimize the effect of such misalignments, perform a static
equilibrium at the start of the simulation.

When the beam element angular deflections are small, the stiffness matrix
provides a meaningful description of the beam behavior. When the angular
deflections are large, they are not commutative; so the stiffness matrix that
produces the translational and rotational force components may not correctly
describe the beam behavior. Adams/Solver issues a warning message if the
beam translational displacements exceed 10 percent of the undeformed
length.

Field Elements
A field element applies a translational and rotational action-reaction force between two locations.
Adams/View creates markers at each location. The marker on the first location you specify is called the
I marker. The marker on the second location you specify is called the J marker. Adams/View applies the
component translational and rotational forces for a field to the I marker and imposes reaction forces on
the J marker.
The field element can apply either a linear or nonlinear force, depending on the values you specify after
you create the field.
• To specify a linear field, enter values that define a six-by-six stiffness matrix, translational and
rotational preload values, and a six-by-six damping matrix. The stiffness and damping matrixes
must be positive semidefinite, but need not be symmetric. You can also specify a damping ratio
instead of specifying a damping matrix.
• To specify a nonlinear field, use the User-written subroutine FIESUB to define the three force
components and three torque components and to enter values to pass to FIESUB. (See the
Adams/Solver Subroutines online help.)
 31
Forces

Constitutive Equations for Field Elements

The following constitutive equations define how Adams/Solver uses the data for a linear field to apply a
force and a torque to the I marker depending on the displacement and velocity of the I marker relative to
the J marker.

For a nonlinear field, the following constitutive equations are defined in the FIESUB subroutine:

Adams/Solver applies the defined forces and torques at the I marker. In the linear and nonlinear
equations:
• Fx, Fy, and Fz are the three translational force measure numbers.
• Tx, Ty, and Tz are the three rotational force measure numbers associated with unit vectors
directed along the x-, y-, and z-axes of the J marker.
32 Adams/View
Forces

• K is the stiffness matrix.

• x0, y0, z0, a0, b0, and c0 are the free lengths.
• x, y, z, a, b, and c are the translational and the rotational displacements of the I marker with
respect to the J marker expressed in the coordinate system of the J marker.
• Vx, Vy, and Vz are the scalar time derivatives of x, y, and z, respectively.
• x, y, and z are the measure numbers of the angular velocity of the I marker as seen by the J
marker, expressed in the J marker coordinate system.
• C is the damping matrix.
• F1, F2, F3, T1, T2, and T3 are the translational and rotational pre-tensions.

Adams/Solver computes all variables and time derivatives in the J marker coordinate system.
Adams/Solver applies an equilibrating force and torque at the J marker, as defined by the following
equations:
Fj = - Fi
Tj = - Ti - L Fi
L is the instantaneous displacement vector from the J marker to the I marker. While the force at the J
marker is equal and opposite to the force at the I marker, the torque is usually not equal and opposite,
because of the force transfer.

Cautions for Field Elements

• For the constitutive equations of a field element to be accurate, at least two of the rotations (a, b,
c) must be small. That is, two of the three values must remain smaller than 10 degrees. In
addition, if a becomes greater than 90 degrees, b becomes erratic. If b becomes greater than 90
degrees, a becomes erratic. Only c can become greater than 90 degrees without causing
convergence problems. For these reasons, it is best to define your field such that angles a and b
(not a and c and not b and c) remain small.
• The three rotational displacements (a, b, and c) that define the field are not Euler angles. They
are the projected angles of the I marker with respect to the J marker. Adams/Solver measures
them about the x-, y-, and z-axes of the J marker.
• The K and C matrices must be positive semidefinite. In other words:
xtK x > 0 for all non-zero displacements x, and
ytC y > 0 for all non-zero velocities y
If this is not true, the stiffness matrix of the field may be removing energy from the system.
Similarly, the damping matrix may be adding energy to the system. Both of these situations are
uncommon. Adams/Solver (FORTRAN) does not warn you if the C matrix, K matrix, or both are
not positive semidefinite. While Adams/Solver (FORTRAN) does not require that these matrices
be symmetric, it is most realistic.
 33
Forces

Defining the Elements of the Stiffness and Damping Matrices

The elements of the stiffness and damping matrices for a field element have mixed units because each of
the 6x6 matrices is assembled from four 3x3 matrices, each having consistent units within itself, but
different from each other.
The stiffness matrix is multiplied by displacements (both linear and angular) to give the forces (both
linear and torsional). Here (x, y, z) is the displacement vector and (a, b, c) are the displacement angles. F
and T are the force and torque vectors.
[ | ] [ x ] [ Fx ]
[ Force/Length | Force/Angle ] [ y ] [ Fx ]
[ | ] [ z ] [ Fx ]
-----------------|--------------- =
[ | ] [ a ] [ Tx ]
[ Torque/Length | Torque/Angle ] [ b ] [ Ty ]
[ | ] [ b ] [ Tz ]

Creating Field Elements

When you create a Field element, you define the location of the force element. SD Suspension creates I
and J markers defining the location and direction of the field. To define other properties of the field
element, such as its damping values, you must modify the field.

To create a field element:

1. From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the Field tool .
2. In the settings container, specify the following:
How you want the force applied to parts. You can select the following:
• 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 1 Location
• 2 Bodies - 2 Locations
Learn about Applying Multi-Component Forces to Parts.
How you want the force oriented. You can select:
• Normal to Grid - Lets you orient the force using the x-, y-, and z-axes of the current
Working grid, if it is displayed, or using the x-, y, and z-axes of the screen.
• Pick Feature - Lets you orient the force along a direction vector on a feature in your model,
such as the face of a part. The direction vector you select defines the z-axis for the force;
Adams/View automatically calculates the x- and y-axes.
The translational and rotational stiffness and damping properties for the bushing.
3. Click the bodies unless Adams/View is automatically selecting them.
4. Click one or two force-application points depending on the location method you selected.
5. If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector on a feature, move the cursor around in
your model to display an arrow that shows the direction along a feature where you want the force
oriented. When the direction vector shows the correct z-axis orientation, click.
34 Adams/View
Forces

Modifying Field Elements

After creating a Field element, you can modify it to define a linear or nonlinear force.

To modify a field element:

1. Display the Force Modify Element Like Field dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog
Boxes.
2. In the New Field Name text box, enter a new name for the field element, if desired.
3. In the Solver ID text box, assign a unique ID number to the beam.
4. Enter any comments about the beam that might help you manage and identify the beam.
5. Enter the values in the dialog box as explained the table below, and then select OK.

To set: Do the following:

Markers that define the In the I marker Name and J marker Name text boxes, specify the two
field markers between which the force and torque are to be exerted.
Translational and Enter the preload translational and rotational force for the field element in the
rotational preload of Preload text boxes.
field
• Translation at Preload to define three reference lengths. This is the
nominal (x0, y0, z0) position of the I marker with respect to the
J marker, resolved in the J marker coordinate system.
• Rotation at Preload to define the reference rotational displacement
of the axes of the I marker with respect to the J marker, resolved in
the J marker axes (a0, b0, and c0) (specified in radians).
If the reference force is zero, then the preload is the same as the free length.
Entering preload values is optional and defaults to a six zero entry.
Force preload or Select one of the following:
parameters to a User-
written subroutine • Define Using Standard Values and enter values for the text boxes
that appear in the dialog box as explained in the next rows of this
table.
• Define Using Subroutine and enter parameters to be passed to the
user-written subroutine FIESUB. to define a nonlinear field. Enter up
to 30 values (r1[,...,r30]) that Adams/View is to pass to FIESUB. For
more on the FIESUB subroutine and nonlinear fields, see the
Adams/Solver online help.
You can also specify an alternative library and name for the
subroutine in the Routine text box. Learn about specifying your own
routine with ROUTINE Argument.
If you selected Define Using Standard Values, the following options appear:
 35
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Force and torque In the Force Preload and Torque Preload text boxes, define three preload
preload force components and three preload torque components transferred by the
field element when the I and J markers are separated/misaligned by the values
specified in the Translation at Preload and Rotation at Preload text boxes.

The terms are the force components along the x-, y-, and z-axis of the J marker
and the torque components about the x, y-, and z-axis of the J marker,
respectively. Entering values for Force Preload and Torque Preload is optional
and defaults to six zero entries.
36 Adams/View
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Stiffness matrix In the Stiffness Matrix text box, define a six-by-six matrix of stiffness
coefficients. The following matrix shows the values to input.

Enter the elements by columns from top to bottom, then from left to right.
Learn about Defining the Elements of the Stiffness and Damping Matrices for
field elements.

Tip: A finite element analysis program can give you the values for
the stiffness matrix.
 37
Forces

To set: Do the following:

Damping coefficients Enter either a matrix of damping terms or a damping ratio if you want to
include damping coefficients in the calculation of the field forces as explained
below. The damping matrix defaults to a matrix with thirty-six zero entries.

• To define a six-by-six matrix of viscous damping coefficients, select

Matrix of Damping Terms and enter the elements. The following
matrix shows the values to input.

Enter the elements by columns from top to bottom, then from left to right.
Learn about Defining the Elements of the Stiffness and Damping Matrices for
field elements.

• To enter a damping ratio that defines the ratio of the damping matrix
to the stiffness matrix, select Damping Ratio and enter the value. If
you enter a damping ratio, Adams/Solver multiplies the stiffness
matrix by the ratio to obtain the damping matrix. Do not enter a ratio
without also entering a stiffness matrix.
Tip: A finite element analysis program can give you the values for
the damping matrix.

Modal Forces
A modal force, or MFORCE, allows you to distribute a force to one or more, or all nodes of a flexible
body. The force can vary in time or position and can even be made dependent on a state variable.
Examples of modal force applications are pressures on journal bearings, simulating magnetically induced
fields, or the modeling of airfoil flutter. Modal forces are a special class of forces called distributed loads
that can only be applied to flexible bodies.
For a detailed overview of distributed loads and a tutorial that steps you through an example of adding
modal forces to your model, see Modeling Distributed Loads and Predeformed Flexible Bodies.
Adams/View provides three options for defining MFORCEs on flexible bodies. All options require
additional work outside of Adams/View to complete the definition and simulation of modal forces.
38 Adams/View
Forces

• Reference and scale a load case defined in the flexible body's modal load matrix. This option can
only be used in Adams/View on flexible bodies that have been built with Modal Neutral File
(MNF) that contains modal load case information. For more information on flexible bodies, their
modal load matrix, and how to generate modal load case information in an MNF, see Creating
Loadcase Files.
• Specify the modal force as a product of a modal load case and scale function defined in a User-
written subroutine. The scale function can depend on time or the state of the system. The load
case can only be a function of time.
• Directly specify the components of a modal force in a User-written subroutine. Each component
can depend on time or the state of the system. This option is only available in Adams/Solver
(C++).
The last two options provide much more capability in defining modal forces. To take advantage
of these options, however, you need to develop a MFOSUB routine that is built into the
Adams/Solver. For more information, see the Subroutines section of the Adams/Solver online
help.

More than one modal force can be defined on a flexible body. For each modal force defined on a flexible
body a modal force icon appears at its local part reference frame. You can transfer modal forces from one
flexible body to another.
Learn more:
1. Creating a Modal Force
2. Modifying a Modal Force
3. Copying and Deleting a Modal Force
4. Viewing Modal Preloads of Flexible Bodies

Creating Modal Forces

To create a modal force:
1. From the Main toolbox, from the Create Forces tool stack, select the Modal Force tool .
The Create/Modify Modal Force dialog box appears.
2. In the Create Modal Force dialog box, specify the following:
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Forces

Options in Create Modal Force Dialog Box

To: Do the following:

Assign a name to the In the Force Name text box, enter the name of the modal force to be created.
MFORCE Adams/View automatically assigns a default name of MFORCE followed by
an underscore and a number to make the name unique (for example,
MFORCE_1).
Specify the flexible In the Flexible Body text box, enter the name of the flexible body.
body to which the
MFORCE is applied Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
40 Adams/View
Forces

To: Do the following:

Apply the reaction of If desired, in the Reaction Part text box, enter the name of an existing part. If
the modal force you enter a part name, Adams/View automatically creates a Floating marker
resultant to a part associated with this part when it creates the MFORCE. Adams/View keeps the
marker coincident with the flexible body analysis coordinate system during the
simulation. Therefore, the need for the point of reaction to be a floating marker.

In addition, because floating markers cannot be defined on flexible bodies, the

reaction part is restricted to rigid bodies only.

Note: You can use the Info command to see the floating marker that
Adams/View creates when you reference a reaction part. Learn about
Displaying Object Information and Accessing Information Window.
Select how you want Select the following from Define Using:
to define the modal
force. • Function - Lets you select the modal load case and scale function of
the MFORCE. Note that you cannot select Function when defining an
MFORCE on a flexible body that does not contain any modal load case
information in its corresponding MNF.
• Subroutine - Lets you specify up to thirty user-defined constants to be
passed to the user-defined subroutine, MFOSUB to directly compute
the modal load case and scale function whose product is the modal
force applied to the flexible body. The scale function can depend on
time or the state of the system. The load case can only be a function of
time.
• Force - Lets you specify up to thirty user-defined constants to be
passed to the user-defined subroutine, MFOSUB to directly compute
the modal force on the flexible body. Each component of the modal
force can depend on time or the state of the system. (Adams/Solver
(C++) only. Learn about switching solvers with Solver Settings -
Executable dialog box help.)
To use a subroutine, you need to build a version of the Adams/Solver
that contains your version of the MFOSUB routine that quantifies the
modal force. For more information, see the Subroutines section of the
Adams/Solver online help.
You can also specify an alternative library and name for the user
subroutine in the Routine text box. Learn about specifying your own
routine with ROUTINE Argument.

3. If you select to specify a flexible body with modal load case information, you also specify:
• Load Case - Lets you select a modal load case label from a list. The list of modal load case
labels is generated from the MNF. Learn about Creating Loadcase Files.
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Forces

• Scale Function - Lets you specify an expression for the scale factor to be applied to the
modal load case.
4. Select OK.

Modifying Modal Forces

You can modify an existing MFORCE in the following ways:
• The flexible body to which the modal forces is applied.
• The part to which the reaction resultant of the modal force is applied.
• The definition of the modal force.

To modify a MFORCE:
1. Display the Create/Modify Modal Force dialog box as explained in Accessing Modify Dialog
Boxes.
2. Follow the instructions in the dialog box help.
3. Select OK.

Copying and Deleting a Modal Force

You can copy and delete MFORCEs just like you copy and delete other objects in Adams/View. See
Copying Objects and Deleting Objects.

Note: When you copy a MFORCE that has a reaction part specified or as a result, a Floating
marker referenced, Adams/View also creates a new floating marker.

In addition, when you delete a MFORCE that has a reaction part specified, Adams/View
does not delete its referenced floating marker.

Viewing Modal Preloads of Flexible Bodies

A special form of a modal load in a flexible body is a modal preload. Since modal preloads are an integral
property of the flexible body, you do not have the ability to modify these loads in Adams/View. You can,
however, inspect the values of these preloads for each mode. In Adams/View, there are two ways to
review the modal preloads of a flexible body.
For a detailed overview of modal preloads and a tutorial that steps you through an example of modeling
preloads, see Modeling Distributed Loads and Predeformed Flexible Bodies.

To review the modal preloads using the Flexible Body Modify dialog box:
1. Double-click the flexible body to display the Flexible Body Modify dialog box.
42 Adams/View
Forces

2. From the Flexible Body Modify dialog box, select Modal ICs.
The Modify Modal ICs... dialog box appears. Preloads for the flexible body appear in the last
column.
3. Review the preloads, and then select Close.

To obtain a listing of the preloads using the Info command:

1. Display information on the flexible body as explained in Displaying Object Information and
Accessing Information Window.
2. In the Information Window, select Verbose, and then select Apply.
The modal preload values appear in the last column of the modal frequency table.

Viewing Modal Forces

You can review modal forces on flexible bodies in Adams/PostProcessor as:
• Curves
• Contour plots
• Vector plots

No matter what form, the modal force results are presented with respect to the flexible body’s local part
reference frame. This is unlike most other Adams force elements that are plotted with respect to the
ground coordinate system, by default. For a detailed overview of modal forces and a tutorial that steps
you through an example of creating a modal force, see Modeling Distributed Loads and Predeformed
Flexible Bodies.

Note: • To create a contour or vector plot of a modal force, the MNF of the associated
flexible body must contain nodal masses. You can use the MNF browser to check
if the MNF contains nodal masses, see Browsing an MNF or an MD DB.
• Because modal forces can depend on the state of the system, you must run a
simulation before viewing the results of a modal force.

To review a modal force component as a curve:

1. Start Adams/PostProcessor, and then set its mode to plotting (see Modes).
2. From the Dashboard, set Source to Result Sets.
The dashboard changes to show the results available for plotting.
3. From the Result Set list, select the modal force object whose characteristics you want to plot.
4. From the Component list, select the component of the modal force. FX, FY, FZ, TX, TY, and TZ
are the resultant force and torque components with respect to the flexible body’s local part
reference frame. FQi is the ith modal component of the modal force.
5. Select Add Curves to add the data curve to the current plot.
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Forces

To review a modal force as a contour plot:

1. Set the Adams/PostProcessor mode to animation.
2. Right-click the background of a viewport, and then select Load Animation.
3. From the Treeview in Adams/PostProcessor, select the flexible body on which you want to display
the modal force plot.
4. In the Property Editor, set Plot Type to Both.
5. In the dashboard, select the Contour Plots tab.
6. Set Contour Plot Type to the component of the modal force you want to review. Remember that
the modal force components are with respect to the flexible body’s local part reference frame.
Next, Adams/PostProcessor computes the minimum and maximum values of the modal force.
This can take a few minutes because it requires interrogating the modal force values at every node
in every mode at every animation frame.
7. Select the Play button to animate the modal force contour plot.

To review a modal force as a vector plot:

1. Follow steps 1. through 4. in To Review a modal force as a contour plot above.
2. Select the Vector Plots tab in the dashboard.
3. Set Vector Plot Type to either Force or Torque.
4. Select the Play button to animate the modal force contour plot.