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Can I add objects with significant rubber deformation to Motionview？

I now want to simulate the deformation of the upper sieve plate during the operation of a vibrating screen. This upper sieve plate is made of polyurethane and can be equivalent to rubber. I want to simulate the tension and relaxation movement trend of this upper sieve plate during the movement process, so the deformation of the upper sieve plate is relatively large, as shown in the picture I posted below. However, I cannot build my model because CMS flexible body seems to be suitable for linear materials and the deformation is relatively small. Then I consider using NLFE, but NLFE seems to only support beam elements and cables. After simulating the movement trend of this upper sieve plate, I need to consider coupling EDEM, but my multi-body dynamics model cannot be built.

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Accepted answers

Orestis_YB

Hello @Jin1,

I suggested to start with the track builder so that you create the sieve plate with a combination of multiple bushings and bodies to mimic the desired behavior. From What I understand from the shared pictures you have 4 separate sieve plates. Every two they are initially loose. Each end is connected to the beam with some kind of constrain (maybe two ball joints one at each side). To do that you'll have to create 4 belts and modify them accordingly to attach to the beam. Maybe you can even deactivate contacts in your case if the sieve just moves with the beam but not touching it.

Here is a visualization of what I am suggesting.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Orestes

Recording 2025-11-28 133153.gif

Orestis_YB

Hello @Jin1,

As per graphics you can either define the CAD file while creating the roller system or updating it later on by assign the imported graphic to the roller body and deactivating the other graphic. Although with the second option you'll need to update also contacts and activate the graphic in the graphics used for contacts. I believe The first method is more convenient.

As for the tracks they are created in the plane of the rollers. By default rollers are created with Global Frame as reference frame and Y axis is the axis of rotation. If you want to change that you need to have a reference marker when creating the rollers and this will also be applied to the tracks. You can also as you said modify the initial geometry but this would may be a more lousy way to do it.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Orestes

All comments

Orestis_YB

Hello @Jin1,

I believe that you could track builder tool under Vehicle Tools. Make sure you have the Extension activated (File→ Extension→ Toggle On Vehicle Tools).

After doing this, got to Vehicle Tools tab and in there you'll find track builder. You first need to create rolling systems and then the wrap. In the wrap You can select belt at the top right corner. Then you can define geometric propetries of the belt, contact properties with the rolling systems and if you have selected a link DOF you also define the bushing connection between the links.

Keep in mind that each individual body will be rigid. I believe that by setting properly the bushing properties between the links you will achieve the desired behavior. If I understand properly your case the only thing that you will have to modify in the wrap system is to constrain the ends of your belts to a body as it's not a closed loop.

Here is a community article explaining more track builder tool. In your case also deactivate the contact with Road as seen above.

Create Track Systems With Soft Soil Interaction - Altair Community

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Orestes

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GTT Adam

Hi @Jin1,

Building off of @Orestis_YB's comment: I would also recommend looking into MotionView's Track Builder Tool.

You can define discrete elements and use either primitive graphics (shown) or custom graphics if your sieve must be a certain profile.

The graphics can then be transferred to EDEM for contact with bulk materials.

Hope this helps!

Adam Reid

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Jin1

I tried, but it still didn't meet my expectations. My sieve plate is fixed between two crossbeams, and the vibration of the two crossbeams is not synchronized, which can cause the sieve plate to fluctuate up and down. However, using a track module can simulate this effect between two beams. But if multiple beams are used at the same time, the fluctuation at each beam will be distorted. In addition, my beam is an irregular beam, and the sieve plate between every two beams is initially loose. It feels that using a track module directly to build the whole is not realistic. But if there are more than three beams, if two rollers are used with one track, the resulting graphic effect is also very poor

Jin1

thank you，I tried, but it still didn't meet my expectations. My sieve plate is fixed between two crossbeams, and the vibration of the two crossbeams is not synchronized, which can cause the sieve plate to fluctuate up and down. However, using a track module can simulate this effect between two beams. But if multiple beams are used at the same time, the fluctuation at each beam will be distorted. In addition, my beam is an irregular beam, and the sieve plate between every two beams is initially loose. It feels that using a track module directly to build the whole is not realistic. But if there are more than three beams, if two rollers are used with one track, the resulting graphic effect is also very poor

Orestis_YB

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Orestes

Recording 2025-11-28 133153.gif

Jin1

Thank you, I'll study it again. This is exactly what I want

Jin1

Excuse me again, I just tried and it can be achieved, but I first created a complete belt, then manually deleted some of the joints and bodies that I don't use, and fixed both ends on the driven rollers. Also, I have a problem. It seems that Rolling Systems cannot directly select the geometry I imported, and can only solve it by referencing CAD when creating the roller system? In addition, there is a Create Tracks panel that seems to only allow creation from the+Y direction, so I have to adjust my initial geometry to the corresponding direction. I can manually solve both of these problems, but I would like to ask if this approach is correct?