SimMechanics 4.0 uses 3D animation for analysis

MathWorks Inc. has released the SimMechanics 4.0 that leverages MATLAB to enable users to create realistic parts and geometry. According to the company, the tool for modeling mechanical systems automatically creates a 3D animation during simulation that can be replayed without rerunning the simulation, letting engineers reuse custom parts and mechanisms in new designs, making the modeling process shorter.

With SimMechanics, engineers in industries such as aerospace and defense, automotive, and industrial automation and machinery can model 3D mechanical systems in a Simulink block diagram using bodies, joints, constraints, and force elements. SimMechanics models can connect to Simscape and other Simulink products for physical modeling, such as SimElectronics and SimHydraulics. This helps engineers to detect integration issues between electrical, mechanical, and control systems early in the development process before any hardware is built.

Other features of the software include:

• Rigid body definition using standard geometry and custom extrusions defined in MATLAB for quickly prototyping mechanical parts
• Automatic calculation of mass and inertia tensor for ensuring accurate models
• Visualization and animation of multibody system dynamics with 3D geometry for rapid analysis of simulation results
• Ability to enter exact and approximate state targets for simplifying the specification of the initial state
• Block diagram representation for clearly documenting connections to other parts
• Simulink libraries for sharing and reuse of parts and mechanisms

SimMechanics 4.0 is now available.