How to visualize beams in MotionView, modelled in HyperWorks/HyperMesh and simulated with MotionSolve
As the title says, I am wondering how I can actually show the beam element in the simulation animation, with the deformations. This is the one I am talking about:
.png)
It seems this is just a UI element in HyperWorks, because it is not visible in the simulation animation and it is also keeps its size relative to the screen when I zoom in or out, like eg joints. It also shows an I-beam shape whether a circular or rectangular cross section is selected. Looking into the wiki page for beams, I see no instructions on how to visualize it. If it is possible, I would appreciate if someone let me know how it is done.
Thanks in advance!
Best Answer
-
Hello Philip,
Like the joint, the beams original graphics are "implicit". Meaning they will not show up in the animation. What you will need to do is create a box graphic to represent the singular beam element. Refer to the Heavy Truck library -> front suspension with trailing arm. It shows an example of a beam constructed.
To view the deformation of the beam there are a couple of workarounds.
1. Create multiple beam elements, create box graphics per element. This way you will be able to view any displacement between each beam element.
2. Create an FE model of the beam and use Flexprep to import that as a flexbody. Then you will be able to view a more accurate deformation of the beam. Refer to the Heavy Truck library -> front suspension with trailing arm, the axle is constructed as an Flexible body
. 
For more information on MotionView please go over our free self paced training.
MotionView Introduction Training link
Vehicle Modeling Training link
Best,
Christopher Fadanelli
2
Altair EmployeeAnswers
-
Hello Philip,
Like the joint, the beams original graphics are "implicit". Meaning they will not show up in the animation. What you will need to do is create a box graphic to represent the singular beam element. Refer to the Heavy Truck library -> front suspension with trailing arm. It shows an example of a beam constructed.
To view the deformation of the beam there are a couple of workarounds.
1. Create multiple beam elements, create box graphics per element. This way you will be able to view any displacement between each beam element.
2. Create an FE model of the beam and use Flexprep to import that as a flexbody. Then you will be able to view a more accurate deformation of the beam. Refer to the Heavy Truck library -> front suspension with trailing arm, the axle is constructed as an Flexible body
. For more information on MotionView please go over our free self paced training.
MotionView Introduction Training link
Vehicle Modeling Training link
Best,
Christopher Fadanelli
2