Simulation and Visualization of Dynamic Systems in Virtual Reality Using SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink, and Unity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismail Akharas ◽  
Michael P. Hennessey ◽  
Eric J. Tornoe
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Dynamic System ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Matlab Simulink ◽  
Internal Motions ◽  
Mechanical Assemblies ◽  
Vantage Points

Abstract This paper introduces a novel method for playing dynamic animations of rigid body assemblies with internal motions in virtual reality (VR). Through previous research over a decade ago, an inexpensive, relatively straight-forward process has been developed that entailed using SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink, and movie player software to permit one to view 2D MP4 files, such as on a laptop, smart phone, etc. Inspired by the usefulness of these previous results, the approach presented here targets a VR environment, clearly representing a technological leap over viewing 2D MP4 files. It’s made possible by recent advances in VR & gaming software (e.g. Unity) along with some unique software interfacing, including use of CADLink, to permit importation of CAD files, such as from SolidWorks, into Unity. Those interested in VR visualization of their dynamic system can use the step-by-step process presented as a manual to guide them through the hardware and software setup and ultimately learn how to use SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink, and Unity interactively to visualize their simulations in VR. Another key point is that the analyst has considerable control and access over each step in the process, including the dynamic modeling, unlike that commonly found in large, structured dynamic simulation software packages. As an example to illustrate the process, a dynamic simulation of a classic pendulum/slider system was created using MATLAB/Simulink, which in effect numerically solves the ordinary differential equations of motion. The time-dependent displacement data for both the slider’s lateral movement and the pendulum’s angle, along with a time vector in incremental difference form, was saved as an Excel file. In turn, it was read by a C# script residing within Unity to permit an animation playback scenario of the SolidWorks CAD model of the entire pendulum/slider system (previously brought into Unity via CADLink with some reassembly), viewed more generally as an assembly with internal motions. Unity, a popular open-source piece of VR game development software used to produce both 2D and 3D video games and simulations, then serves as a platform to access the virtual world with the aid of an Oculus Rift (or Quest) VR headset and two hand controllers. In the end, the VR viewer can physically move around in the VR environment while at the same time view the playback motion of the pendulum/slider system from varying vantage points, just as one would expect in the real world. This work significantly advances the typical visualization experience with respect to dynamic system simulation & animation in addition to being widely applicable to generic mechanical assemblies.

Dynamic Simulation of Shaper Guide-Bar Mechanism Based on MATLAB/SIMULINK

2012 ◽  
Vol 580 ◽  
pp. 391-394
Author(s):  
Xiu Fen Xu
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Transmission Mechanism ◽  
Model Application ◽  
Vector Method ◽  
Matlab Simulink ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Simulink Simulation ◽  
High Processing

Using the vector method of shaping the transmission mechanism undertook an analysis, established the kinematics model. Application of MATLAB/ SIMULINK simulation software has been shaper planer head displacement, velocity, acceleration motion curve. high processing precision shaper of writing for a theoretical foundation.

Application of the Mechanical Impedance of Body Arm Movement Based on the Virtual Tennis System

2013 ◽  
Vol 791-793 ◽  
pp. 1436-1440
Author(s):  
Ling Hang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Mechanical Impedance ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Computer Hardware ◽  
Calculation Results ◽  
Virtual System ◽  
Dimensional Simulation ◽  
Theoretical Results

With the development of computer hardware and software technology, virtual reality technology of computer has been widely used in various fields. Virtual teaching process is one of the main applications of virtual reality computer technology. Tennis is one of the most common sports. Tennis process mainly includes the process of catching a ball, serving a ball and hitting a ball. Virtual process of tennis system must establish an accurate numerical simulation model to calculate the mechanical impedance during the arm movement of human. According to this, it builds a model of the mechanical impedance of human arm in tennis virtual system using three-dimensional simulation software in this paper and gets the curve of mechanical impedance through the simulation. Finally, the article compares calculation results with the theoretical results and concludes that the theoretical results and simulation results are basically consistent which provide a theoretical reference for the design of the development of virtual system for the human.

Simulation and Visualization of Dynamic Systems Using MATLAB, Simulink, Simulink 3D Animation, and SolidWorks

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loi Tran ◽  
Michael Hennessey ◽  
John Abraham
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic System ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Front Wheel ◽  
Geometric Constraints ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
3D Animation ◽  
System Variable ◽  
Matlab Simulink ◽  
Simulink Model ◽  
Animation Software

There are many approaches to simulating and visualizing a dynamic system. Our focus is on developing/understanding and trading-off three different approaches that are relatively easy to implement with inexpensive, commonly available software using combinations of MATLAB, Simulink, Simulink 3D Animation, SolidWorks (basic), SolidWorks (Motion Manager) in addition to several common animation players such as Windows (Live) Movie Maker or the resident animation capability within MATLAB. The “SolidWorks Design Table” approach entails creating MATLAB/Simulink driven time-dependent assembly configurations, associated graphics files (e.g. JPG, TIFF) and then effectively “playing” them sequentially with animation software. The “SolidWorks Motor” approach utilizes SolidWorks’ Motion Manager capability (an add-on), whereby each spatially time-dependent geometric system variable is driven by a “motor” based on MATLAB/Simulink time-dependent data and an animation file can be generated from within Motion Manager. Lastly, in the “Simulink 3D Animation” approach, SolidWorks data is brought into the MATLAB environment and modified with V-Realm Builder (VRML Editor) supplied within the Simulink 3D Animation toolbox to define geometric constraints prior to inclusion as an animation VR Sink block within the Simulink model of the dynamic system. In each case, detailed procedures are provided. To exercise these three different approaches and permit comparisons, a benchmark problem was posed: parallel-parking of a four-wheeled vehicle possessing front wheel steering. Comparisons were then made and the recommended approach depends on such issues as the software background of the developer, the animation quality standard (e.g. framerate), and relative ease of implementation.

Dynamic Simulation Software for Prediction of Hydrogen Temperature and Pressure during Fueling Process

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taichi Kuroki ◽  
Kiyoshi Handa ◽  
Masanori Monde ◽  
Shigehiro Yamaguchi ◽  
Kane'i SHINZATO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Temperature And Pressure

scholarly journals Dynamic Simulation of Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment Using Wastewater Plant Simulation Software

2018 ◽  
Vol 203 ◽  
pp. 03005
Author(s):  
Idzham Fauzi Mohd Ariff ◽  
Mardhiyah Bakir
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Stable Condition ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Petrochemical Plant ◽  
Dynamic Simulation Model ◽  
Plant Monitoring ◽  
Plant Simulation

A dynamic simulation model was developed, calibrated and validated for a petrochemical plant in Terengganu, Malaysia. Calibration and validation of the model was conducted based on plant monitoring data spanning 3 years resulting in a model accuracy (RMSD) for effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and total suspended solids (TSS) of ±11.7 mg/L, ±0.52 mg/L and ± 3.27 mg/L respectively. The simulation model has since been used for troubleshooting during plant upsets, planning of plant turnarounds and developing upgrade options. A case study is presented where the simulation model was used to assist in troubleshooting and rectification of a plant upset where ingress of a surfactant compound resulted in high effluent TSS and COD. The model was successfully used in the incident troubleshooting activities and provided critical insights that assisted the plant operators to quickly respond and bring back the system to normal, stable condition.

scholarly journals Research on Key Techniques for Enginery Teaching Platform Based on Computer Dynamic Simulation Technique

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (08) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Huiping Guo ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
Fengxin Yan
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Operating Experience ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Teaching Mode ◽  
Teaching Platform ◽  
Web Teaching ◽  
Key Techniques ◽  
The Web

The web teaching platform based on virtual reality technique is a challenge to the traditional teaching mode and a necessity with the development and maturity of information technologies. Based on the easily made and operated VR techniques with its immersion and interactivity, this paper combined resources about the enginery knowledge and information to build the overall platform. It significantly improves users’ feeling about and understanding of the part models. It can be visually perceived and is flexible and convenient, providing users with operating experience which makes virtual reality and the real world consistent with each other. Eventually, both people and models can dynamically interact and perceptively communicate with each other.

scholarly journals Novel analysis methods of dynamic properties for vehicle pantographs

2018 ◽  
Vol 180 ◽  
pp. 01005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Wilk
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Fem Analysis ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Static And Dynamic Analysis

Transmission of electrical energy from a catenary system to traction units must be safe and reliable especially for high speed trains. Modern pantographs have to meet these requirements. Pantographs are subjected to several forces acting on their structural elements. These forces come from pantograph drive, inertia forces, aerodynamic effects, vibration of traction units etc. Modern approach to static and dynamic analysis should take into account: mass distribution of particular parts, physical properties of used materials, kinematic joints character at mechanical nodes, nonlinear parameters of kinematic joints, defining different parametric waveforms of forces and torques, and numerical dynamic simulation coupled with FEM calculations. In this work methods for the formulation of the governing equations of motion are presented. Some of these methods are more suitable for automated computer implementation. The novel computer methods recommended for static and dynamic analysis of pantographs are presented. Possibilities of dynamic analysis using CAD and CAE computer software are described. Original results are also presented. Conclusions related to dynamic properties of pantographs are included. Chapter 2 presents the methods used for formulation of the equation of pantograph motion. Chapter 3 is devoted to modelling of forces in multibody systems. In chapter 4 the selected computer tools for dynamic analysis are described. Chapter 5 shows the possibility of FEM analysis coupled with dynamic simulation. In chapter 6 the summary of this work is presented.

scholarly journals On the use of time-domain simulation in the design of Remotely Operated Submergible Vehicles

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Juan A. Ramírez-Macías ◽  
Persijn Brongers ◽  
Rafael E. Vásquez
Keyword(s):  
Time Domain ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Rigid Body Dynamics ◽  
Time Domain Simulation ◽  
Levels Of Abstraction ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Design Concepts ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Final Design

Designing a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is a complicated task in which the design team deals with a considerable amount of uncertainty before the device is able to be tested at full scale. A way to cope with such uncertainty is to use simulation software to evaluate design concepts along the different levels of abstraction of the process. In this work, the use of aNySIM, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) multibody time-domain simulation tool, as a part of the design process of an ROV is addressed. The simulation software is able to solve the equations of motion of the vehicle based on rigid body dynamics, including features such as hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, thrusters, thrust allocation, and PID control. Different simulation scenarios are proposed to evaluate different concept solutions to the design, including thruster parameters and distribution. The results are further used to select the concept solutions to be implemented in the final design.

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