Getting Started Tutorials - MechDesigner > Tutorial 13: Forces: Introduction

Force Analysis

The objective of this tutorial is to understand and how to:

•use the Forces toolbar

•to interpret Force-Vectors

•use the Configure Power Source dialog

Gravitational Force acts vertically down, (▼) in the direction of Model's Global –Y-axis. Therefore, when the force results are important, start the model on the plane that represents the orientation of the actual machine. If, later you want to move a mechanism to a different plane, you must save the Model as a Library File, then select a different Plane to open the Library File.

Forces in MechDesigner

➢Step 13.0: Understand Forces in MechDesigner

➢Step 13.1A: A Stationary Rocker

➢Step 13:1B: A Stationary Slider, a Slider moving at Constant-Velocity, and an Accelerating Slider

➢Step 13.2: A Rocker supported by a Spring

➢Step 13.3: A Rotating Rocker

➢Step 13.4: A Rocker Supported by a 2D-Cam – Configure Power Source

➢Step 13.5: A Motion and Maximum Cam Speed

➢Step 13.6: Select a Motor and Gearbox

Forces toolbar

	Click to Show or Hide toolbar icons.
	Click to Calculate Forces for all elements.
	Add to Analyze the Force / Torque at a Joint.
	To move the Power-Source to a different Joint, 2D-Cam, Spring, or Gear.
	Click two Points to add a Spring FB. Edit to define its parameters.
	Click to Show or Hide Force-Vectors for all elements.