Motion

A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody STRUCTURES

Dynamics (MBD)

Ansys Motion is a next generation engineering solution based on flexible multibody dynamics.
It enables fast and accurate analysis of rigid and flexible bodies within a single solver system.

• Tightly integrated multibody and structural / Modules Included in Ansys Motion

solvers produce highly accurate solutions for
a set of coupled problems of the rigid body MBD Pro – Multibody dynamics analysis based on
motion and deformation. The results are useful rigid bodies.
for system motion performance, stress safety
FE Dynamics – Multiflexible body dynamics analysis based on meshed
analysis, vibration analysis and fatigue analysis in
finite element (FE) bodies.
the design process of many industry applications.
Modal Flex – Modal flexible body dynamics analysis based on mode
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides a superposition.
completely integrated modeling environment
Linear – Eigenvalue analysis of a body or system and frequency response
for components and systems. Data for each
analysis of the system.
component with a mesh or rigid body or
subsystem are managed so components can be FMI – Capability for integrating with Functional Mockup Interfaces.
modified and analyzed independently. When a
Matlab Interface – Plugs Ansys Motion into MATLAB and Simulink.
component must be included in a system, there
are many modeling user interface tools to handle API Dev – Execution Tool to customize Ansys Motion.
multiple components effectively. SMP and MPP – Parallel processing capabilities.

• GUI provides an open API for user customization,

which can be easily linked with MS/EXCEL. Users / Professional Toolkits
may build an EXCEL environment that controls
the Ansys Motion API in the background. Ansys Motion Car – Ride, handling and kinematics analysis for automotive.
Ansys Motion Links – Modeler for design and assembly of tracked vehicles,
• Integration within the industry-proven Ansys
belts and chained systems.
Mechanical environment for pre-processing
for reduced model setup time and Ansys Motion Drivetrain – Whine and rattle noise analysis of a gear train
increased user productivity.
system, including parametric gear creation and libraries of bearings.
Ansys Motion EasyFlex – Linear or nonlinear structural analysis based on
a meshfree method.

/ CAD Interfaces
STEP Translator – Import of STEP files into Ansys Motion Pre
CATIA Import – Import of CATIA files into Ansys Motion Pre
Parasolid Translator – Import of Parasolid files into Ansys Motion Pre

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 1

Motion
STRUCTURES
Solver

Empowered by a fast solver, accurate contact and an efficient co-simulation approach for
systems with rigid and flexible bodies

/ Solver Characteristics / Comparison of Nodal and Modal Flexible Body

• Fast simulation speed — The Motion solver can
Nodal Flexible
accelerate the simulation speed for large degree Contents Modal Flexible Body
Body
of freedom systems. Simulate faster using shared
memory parallel processing (SMP) and massively Generalized Coordinate Nodal coordinate Modal coordinate
parallel processing (MPP) environments.
Small Deformation Good Good
• Reliable and accurate solution — Implicit Large Deformation Good Less-suited
integration method yields a stable and highly
accurate solution. Global Deformation Good Good

Local Deformation Good Less-suited

• Tightly integrated solvers for multibody and
structural analysis. The governing equations of Good for small
Stress/Strain Good
equilibrium for rigid body, flexible body, force deformations
entities and joints are solved simultaneously.
Linear and
Material Linear
• Good for large degrees of freedom systems — nonlinear
Customized sparse solver for mixed systems of Contact (Locality) Good Less-suited
rigid and flexible bodies has been implemented
to handle large degrees of freedom systems. Mesh Work Necessary Necessary

Eigenvalue Analysis Not necessary Necessary

• Various modeling elements and entities for
structural analysis and multibody analysis Degree of Freedom Large Small
models.
Solving Time Slower Faster
• 3D surface contact — Solver supports both Memory Requirement Larger Smaller
surface representations of NURBS and facet
types.

• Modal and nodal flexible body methods —

Motion supports both nodal and modal flexible
bodies that can be easily interchanged.

• Interfaces with other software using user

subroutines, FMIs and a MATLAB interface.

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 2

Motion
STRUCTURES
Solver
Various Flexible Body Representations Robust Time Integration

/ Analysis Engines
Dynamics analysis is usually carried out to provides the solution to nonlinear dynamics problems where material nonlinearity,
geometric nonlinear effects or changes in boundary conditions occur due to dynamic events, such as a contact and variable external
loads. Inertia, damping, and spring and constrained forces are considered in the equation of motion. An implicit integration method is
used. Kinematics analysis is automatically carried out when the degrees of freedom are zero.

Static analysis is usually carried out toprovides the solution to steady state with all nonlinear effects. Spring and constrained forces
are considered in the equation of motion. One step or multiple load step methods in time domain are used. Quasi-static analyses are
possible by using a multiple load step method.

Initial analysis calculates initial position, velocity and acceleration of a system. The position analysis determines the positions and
orientations of bodies while minimizing the constraint violation in the equilibrium position. The velocity analysis determines the
velocities of bodies with low or redundant initial velocities, while minimizing the constraint violations. The acceleration analysis
determines the acceleration of bodies and forces while satisfying the constraint equation and equation of motion.

Eigenvalue analysis calculates the undamped natural frequency and mode of a system. The mass and stiffness of the system are
considered, but the damping is not considered in this analysis type. Before the eigenvalues of the system are evaluated, the initial
analysis is carried out and its solutions are used as an initial condition.

Body eigenvalue analysis calculates the undamped natural frequency and mode shape of a body such as nodal meshfree body and
nodal FE body. The mass and stiffness of the body are considered while the damping is not.

Frequency response analysis calculates the response of a system in the frequency domain. This analysis is available in postprocessor
after the eigenvalue analysis.

/ Comparison of Time Integration

Contents Ansys Motion Conventional Method

Integration Method Implicit Explicit

Used Memory Large Small

Stability Absolutely stable Depends on system

Step Size Large Very small

Accuracy Good Poor in acceleration — noise

Nodal Formulation Co-rotational element with MRF Co-rotational element

Large deformation problems with geometric

Non-linearity
Advantage Large degree of freedom
High-speed rotational problems
Long-time simulation problems

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 3

Motion
Pre-Processor STRUCTURES

/ Pre-processor Characteristics
• Ansys Motion pre-processor provides an optimized modeling environment for components and systems. Components can be
modeled as a single entity consisting of a part file and a mesh file. Part files and mesh files are treated and managed independently
allowing for data reuse in other models.
• Necessary pickers are automatically activated to pick a point or direction. The pickers accelerate the creation and modification
processes of various entities.
• CAD interface is available using STEP and Parasolid files. Direct import from CATIA V5 is possible. Many solid entities can be defined
as one or many rigid bodies. Simple geometry models can be directly created inside Ansys Motion.
• User friendly interface is available for rigid-rigid, rigid-flexible and flexible-flexible contact modeling, such as face picking and contact
face specification and verification.
• Template subsystem can be used to create many model data from one template.
• Project management is supported by the embedded directory and file structure in Ansys Motion.
• Ansys Motion API using .NET Framework can be customized by programming C# and Visual Basic.

Contents Ansys Motion

• Simple geometry and parameterization

Geometry Modeling
• Various CAD capability – STEP, CATIA, and Parasolid formats are supported

• Joint, joint primitive, coupler constraints

• Single, vector, matrix forces
Constraints and Force Entities • Spring, bush, beam compliance forces
• Function expression and user subroutine
• Nonlinearity with spline

• Alternative surface representation by triangular facets or NURBS

• Rigid and flexible bodies contacts
3D Contact Entities
• Fast detecting method
• Penetration method

• Subsystem file is used to model a mechanical system

• Mesh file is used to model a nodal or modal flexible body
Model Files • Part file is used to model and assemble body
• Template is used for a parametric model
• Force file is used to model a special force for Ansys Motion Car

• Point picker, direction picker, orientation picker, transform picker

Picker • General picker, face picker, node picker
• Faceset, nodeset, patchset picker

• Programmable model building

Open API
• New data can be added to standard GUI

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 4

Motion
Post-Processor STRUCTURES

/ Post-processor Characteristics
• Post-processor provides fast animation of a system consisting of complicated geometries
• Contour plotting capabilities are included
• Fatigue analysis can be done in the post-processor without additional processing
• Distance and interference between two bodies can be checked in the post-processor
• Frequency response analysis can be done in the post-processor
• Various forms of stress and strain can be checked in contour form or time history plot
• New data can be added on the existing screen
• Deformed shape obtained from a simulation can be used as an initial condition of a flexible body
• Stress, strain and deformation of a cutting plane can be displayed
• Following camera is available to follow an object in a system
• Force vectors, including contact forces, are displayed in animation
• Deformation can be displayed with respect to a specified reference frame and is scalable

/ Main Features

Contents Entities

• Animation and plot synchronization

• Contour display
• Force and marker display
Animation • Displacement scaling
• Cross section display
• Following camera
• Recording

• Multigraph
• Arithmetic operation among curves
Chart • Data post-processing such as fast Fourier transform (FFT)
• Plot configuration
• Data export and import

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 5

Motion STRUCTURES

MBD Pro
Included in Ansys Motion base package. This module analyzes rigid body systems. The governing
equations of motion are formulated based on a parametric generalized coordinate system. The rigid
bodies are connected by joints, primitive constraints, bushings, contacts and user-defined function
expressions. Smooth surface-to-surface contact is supported. The surface can be represented by
piecewise triangular patches or a NURBS surface.

/ Description
• MBD pro performs kinematic and dynamic analyses of mechanical systems consisting of
rigid bodies. The rigid bodies are created by importing CAD data or simple geometries.
• The same hierarchy as the original CAD model can be maintained by using the subsystem
concept. The joint or force entity can be modeled between a body and a subsystem or
between two subsystems.
• A large degree of freedom system can be solved quickly by using the sparse solver.
• 3D contact problems can be solved smoothly by an optimized algorithm.
• Various joints and force entities are available.
• Functional expressions and user subroutines are available for user-defined algebraic
equations and differential equations. Control systems and motor systems can be modeled
by using the algebraic and differential equations. In-house codes can be linked using these
functions.
• Position, velocity, acceleration and force outputs can be defined by functions or user
subroutines.

Contents Entities

Analysis Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis

CAD ACIS, CATIA and STEP under each license

Parallel Process Shared memory parallel processing (SMP) and massively parallel processing (MPP) under each license

Body Rigid body with 6 DOF

Fix, revolute, translational, screw, cylindrical, universal, planar, ball, orientation, distance, in-line,
Kinematic Constraint
in-plane, parallel, perpendicular

Driving Constraint Displacement, velocity, acceleration motions in revolute, translational, cylindrical joints

Relative Constraint Coupler, gear, rack-and-pinion, cable

TSD, RSD, bush, joint friction in revolute joint, T-Scalar, R-Scalar, vector, matrix, gravity, bearing force,
Force
tire, beam group

Contact Rigid-to-rigid 3D contact

Equation Variable, 1st order differential, 2nd order differential

Function Expression, user-subroutine

Sub-entity Spline, array

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 6

Motion STRUCTURES
FE Dynamics
Included in Ansys Motion base package. Dynamic analysis of a mixed system of rigid and flexible
bodies can be performed. The solver was originally designed to contain the two different disciplines of
MBD and finite element (FE) analysis. Therefore, there are many unique connecting elements of rigid
and flexible bodies. Since the numerically stable implicit integration method is used, the solution is
free from numerical noise and very smooth and reliable.

/ Description
• Mesh files in NASTRAN format can be used.
• Reliable and accurate solutions are obtained by using implicit integration.
• Large deformation problems and high-speed rotation problems can be solved easily.
• All multibody entities can be used to connect flexible bodies.
• 3D smooth contacts between rigid-flexible bodies and flexible-flexible bodies are available.
• Joint and force connections are available between rigid-flexible bodies and flexible-flexible bodies.
• Fatigue analysis can be performed in post-processor.

Contents Entities
Analysis Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis
CAD ACIS, CATIA and STEP under each license
Parallel Process SMP and MPP under each license
Body Rigid body with 6 DOF
Mesh File Ansys Mechanical, NASTRAN
Material Isotropic, foam, hyperelastic, plasticity
Property Beam, shell, solid
Finite Element Beam2, shell3, shell6, shell4, solid10, solid6, solid8
Fix, revolute, translational, screw, cylindrical, universal, planar, ball, orientation, distance, in-line,
Kinematic Constraint
in-plane, parallel, perpendicular
Boundy Condition Fix, planar and general
Driving Constraint Displacement, velocity, acceleration motions in revolute, translational, cylindrical joints
Geometry Constraint Point-to-curve, curve-to-curve, point-to-surface, node-to-surface
Relative Constraint Coupler, gear, rack-and-pinion, cable
TSD, RSD, bush, joint friction in revolute joint, T-Scalar, R-Scalar, vector, matrix, gravity, bearing force,
Force
tire, beam group
Contact Surface-to-surface in 3D, flex surface-to-surface in 3D, flex-surface-to-flex-surface in 3D
Equation Variable, 1st order differential, 2nd order differential
Function Expression, user subroutine
Sub-entity Spline, array

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 7

Motion STRUCTURES
Modal Flex
Included in Ansys Motion base package. When a flexible body has no contact or mildly changing
force elements, the modal flexible body is preferred due to its efficiency. Mode shapes are extracted
from a finite element program such as Ansys Mechanical and deformation is expressed by the linear
combination of the mode shapes. Since it solves reduced modal coordinates, the computation time
is short. Modal flexible body and full nodal flexible body can be switched easily and can be solved with
other rigid and nodal flexible bodies.

/ Description
• A .dmap command file from Ansys Motion can be used to Modify
Ansys Model Ansys Analysis .rst File
generate a NASTRAN .out file. A modal neutral file can be
created from the .out file.
• Using a macro file, the .rst file can be easily accessed.
• A .dfmf file, a modal neutral file of Ansys Motion, can be easily made and managed from a .out file.
• Modal information consists of nodal information and a .dfmf file. Because of the structure, the nodal information is contained within
modal information so users can easily change to a nodal analysis method after a modal analysis to get a more detailed result.
• The modal flex method uses a .dfmesh file and it can build up models with constraints applied to the FE data in the same manner as
a fully meshed FE analysis. Users need not learn about special modal flex modeling.
• Post-processing also shares user interface with nodal flex method.

Ansys/Nastran Eigenvalue Ansys Motion

Model Build Analysis Modal Flex Input File

Build Ansys Check Modal

Motion Mesh File Information

Analyse System and

Build System View Results

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 8

Motion STRUCTURES

Linear
Included in Ansys Motion base package. Linear analysis is used to solve eigenvalues and eigenvectors
of FE bodies, EasyFlex bodies or systems. Natural frequencies and modes can be simulated. For the
body eigenvalue analysis, the static correction mode will deliver a more accurate solution of a modal
flexible body.

/ Description
• The Ansys Motion linear capability supports the eigenvalue analysis and
frequency response analysis of a body or subsystem.
• The eigenvalue analysis shows the natural frequency and mode shape of a
body or system.
• After the body eigenvalue analysis, the resultant .dfmf file is used to
replace the body into the modal flexible body.
• For the body eigenvalue analysis, normal mode and static correction
mode are supported.
• The frequency response analysis shows the response of a system in the
frequency domain.
• Various actuators are supported for the frequency response analysis.

Contents Entities

Body eigenvalue analysis, system eigenvalue

Analysis
analysis, frequency response analysis

Target Nodal FE body, nodal meshfree body, subsystem

Mode Normal mode, static correction mode

Modal Output .dfmf file for nodal FE bodies and EasyFlex bodies

Actuator Sine swift, rotating mass

Input Channel Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force

Output Channel Displacement, velocity, acceleration

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 9

Motion STRUCTURES

Fatigue
Included in Ansys Motion base package. Conventional fatigue analysis has required two independent
analyses of load history and stresses. These two processes are combined as one in the Ansys Motion
fatigue analysis system. The Ansys Motion solver generates the load history and stress history at the
same time. The fatigue life can be directly visualized in Ansys Motion post-processor.

/ Description
• Fatigue analysis in Ansys Motion directly uses the result file from the
dynamic analysis in the post-processor. This tightly coupled process excludes
extra data processing.
• Material and fatigue data are entered in post-processor; various fatigue
analysis are then performed.
• Life cycle and damage are computed and checked by animation and graph.
• Minimal operation steps are necessary.
• Standard material library, including more than 200 material data, is
supported.
• Function expression and user subroutines are available for user-defined
algebraic equations and differential equations. Control system and motor
system can be modeled by using the algebraic and differential equations. In-
house code can be linked by these functions.
• Position, velocity, acceleration and force outputs can be defined in functions
or user subroutines.

/ User Benefits
• Time savings in modeling and analysis due to coupled approach.
• Synchronized solver results based in the time domain and animations.
• Convenient data availability with over 200 standard materials.

Contents Entities

Modified Goodman, Gerber, Sodeberg,

S-N
De Georgi elliptic method

E-N Morrow, Smith-Watson-Topper (SWT) method

Material Standard material library, user material library

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 10

Motion STRUCTURES
MATLAB Interface
Included in Ansys Motion base package. MATLAB/Simulink interface allows co-simulation of MATLAB
control model and Ansys Motion mechanical models. System input/output in the Ansys Motion
model and Simulink file in MATLAB must be defined.

/ Features
• MATLAB input/output parameters can be easily defined by
using predefined functions.
• MATLAB input and output parameters and simulation
conditions can be automatically coupled.
• Ansys Motion process is defined as a MATLAB subroutine to
minimize overhead in communication.
Ansys Motion
/ Functionalities
• Ansys Motion invokes MATLAB.
• Simulink host invokes Ansys Motion from MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ansys Motion model is defined as a Simulink block allowing a
user to model a mechanical system in Simulink.

Export Model

Ansys Motion

Supported Entities
MATLAB / Simulink
Contents Entities
Co-simulation M-file
Sub-entity S-INPUT, S-OUTPUT

Requirement

Program Requirement
MATLAB Version 7.1 or above

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 11

Motion STRUCTURES

FMI
Included in Ansys Motion base package. A functional mockup interface (FMI) capability facilitates
co-simulation of an Ansys Motion mechanical model with other simulation tools that support FMI.
System input/output in the Ansys Motion model must be defined. Ansys Motion’s FMI is only available
as a slave simulator.

/ Features
• FMI input and output parameters can be easily defined
in Ansys Motion by using predefined functions.
• FMI input and output parameters and simulation
conditions are transferred in an FMU file.
Ansys Motion
• Ansys Motion solver is defined as a communication
library to minimize overheads in communication.

/ Functionalities
• The master simulator invokes Ansys Motion.
• The Ansys Motion model is defined as an FMU block.
This allows a user to model a mechanical system in the
master simulator.
Master Simulator Ansys Motion

Supported Entities

Contents Entities

Co-simulation File generation

Sub-entity S-INPUT, S-OUTPUT

Requirement

Program Requirement

FMI Version 1.0

Engine Gearbox Thermal Systems Automated Cargo Door Chassis components, roadway

Functional mockup interface for model exchange and tool coupling

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 12

Motion STRUCTURES
Drivetrain Toolkit
Ansys Motion Drivetrain toolkit can analyze the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics
of drivetrain systems under variable driving conditions. It can conduct analyses from the initial design
concept through to detailed production models. Waterfall color maps and order tracking data can
be produced in the same manner as in a real-world test environment to allow easy comparison of
simulation and reality.

/ Description
• The component analysis can be done with special simulation scenarios.
• Housing components can be represented as modal flexible bodies using the Ansys
Motion eigenvalue solver.
• Vibration and dynamic behavior can be analyzed under variable driving conditions.
• Gear whine and rattle characteristics can be analyzed. Gear profile can be modified
after analyzing the gear results.
• The mode characteristic of a system can be analyzed (mode shape, natural
frequency).
• Driveline model can extend to Ansys Motion Car toolkit and other systems models.

/ Supported Entities

Contents Entities
Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis,
Analysis
special analysis for NVH
CAD All CAD formats under each license
Parallel Process SMP and MPP under each license
Body Rigid body with 6 DOF
Fix, revolute, translational, screw, cylindrical, universal,
Kinematic
planar, ball, orientation, distance, in-line, in-plane, parallel,
Constraint
perpendicular
Driving Displacement, velocity, acceleration, translational and
Constraint cylindrical joints
Relative
Coupler, gear, rack-and-pinion, cable
Constraint
Driveline Shaft set, gear set, bearing, clutch, synchronizer, housing,
Components power load
TSD, RSD, bush, joint friction in revolute joint, T-scalar, R-scalar,
Force
vector, matrix, gravity, bearing force, tire, beam group
Contact Rigid-to-rigid 3D contact
Equation Variable, 1st order differential, 2nd order differential
Function Expression, user subroutine
Sub-entity Spline, array

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 13

Motion STRUCTURES

Drivetrain Toolkit
The Ansys Motion Drivetrain toolkit can create gear tooth profiles based on parametric inputs. Also,
the automatic creation of contact surfaces adds convenience. Gears can be rigid or flexible bodies
and can either be created directly within the Ansys Motion Drivetrain toolkit or imported from an
external CAD source. Spur, helical and internal gears are supported.

/ Description
• Ansys Motion Drivetrain toolkit supports various features to build a gear
shape and model a gear-to-gear contact.
• Gear tooth profile is automatically created based on parametric inputs.
• Toolkit automatically creates contacts.
• Gear can be a rigid body or flexible body.
• Gear created outside of Ansys Motion can be imported and used.
• Various gear systems such as spur, helical and planet gear are supported.

/ Supported Entities
• Gear profile modeler.
• Spur and helical gears.
• Automatic contact creation.

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 14

Motion STRUCTURES
Links Toolkit for Chains ad Belts
An Ansys Motion Links toolkit analysis consists of path bodies (wound bodies) and segment bodies
(winding bodies). Once the path and segment bodies are defined, a chain assembly is automatically
created. Path and segment bodies can be a subsystem, part or mesh files. This allows a user to
build various types of irregular chains. One window controls all the contact parameters among the
segment and path bodies. Connections between two segments can be any kind of force, joint or
contact entity.

/ Description
• Ansys Motion Links models consist of path bodies (wound bodies) and
segment bodies (winding bodies).
• Once the path and segment bodies are defined, chain assembly is
automatically created.
• Path and segment bodies can be a subsystem, part or mesh files. This
allows users to build various types of irregular chains.
• One window controls all contact parameters along the segment and path
bodies.
• Connections between two segments can be any kind of force, joint or
contact entity.
• Irregular appearance of several segment types is supported with an
appearance table.
• Engagement of a chain segment and sprocket tooth can be matched
automatically.

/ Functionalities
• Segment and path bodies can be flexible or rigid.
• Segment and path subsystems or bodies can be simply managed by
Ansys Motion.

/ Supported Entities

Contents Entities

Analysis Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis

Assembly Subsystem

Body FE body and assembled body

Chained system Chained system

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 15

Motion STRUCTURES
Links Toolkit for Tracks
Predefined geometries for segment and path bodies are provided so that a parametric study is possi-
ble. Track assembly is further simplified to eliminate the picking step of path bodies. The path bodies
are automatically searched and used to automatically assemble the track segments. Contact surfaces
are automatically defined for the predefined geometries so that contact surfaces do not need to be
defined. The predefined geometries have complicated modeling details to represent the real shapes.

/ Description
• Predefined geometries for segments and path bodies are provided so that a
parametric study is possible for these bodies.
• Chain assembly is simplified to eliminate the picking step of path bodies.
The path bodies are automatically searched and used to automatically
assemble the track segments.
• Contact surfaces are automatically defined for the predefined geometries.
• The predefined geometries can include complicated modeling details to
represent real shapes.
• Tracks and chains are automatically assembled with path and segments.

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 16

Motion STRUCTURES

Car Toolkit
Dedicated template and subsystem modeling tools can be used to build chassis, suspension, steering
and wheels for predefined analysis scenarios. Symmetric modeling capabilities and template-based
workflows allow users to easily analyze kinematics and compliance (K&C) and ride and handling (R&H)
scenarios.

/ Description
• Ansys Motion Car supports various features to simulate K&C and R&H
analysis for automotive.
• Dedicated template and subsystem modeling tools can be used to build
chassis, suspension, steering and wheels for predefined analysis scenarios.
• The toolkit has symmetric modeling capability.
• Template-based modeling easily manages vehicle models.
• A half car model can be analyzed independently and can be automatically
assembled for a full car.
• Subsystems can be connected when they are assembled together.
• Suspension analysis scenarios and output items are predefined so that a
user can easily check the design requirements.

/ Supported Entities

Contents Entities
Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis, special analysis for Ansys
Analysis
Motion Car
CAD All CAD ACIS, CATIA and STEP under each license
Parallel Process SMP and MPP under each license
Body Rigid body with 6 DOF
Kinematic Fix, revolute, translational, screw, cylindrical, universal, planar, ball,
Constraint orientation, distance, in-line, in-plane, parallel, perpendicular
Driving Displacement, velocity, acceleration, translational and
Constraint cylindrical joints
Relative
Coupler, gear, rack-and-pinion, cable
Constraint
Driveline
Shaft set, gear set, bearing, clutch, synchronizer, housing, power load
Components
TSD, RSD, bush, joint friction in revolute joint, T-scalar, R-scalar, vector,
Force
matrix, gravity, bearing force, tire, beam group
Contact Rigid-to-rigid 3D contact
Equation Variable, 1st order differential, 2nd order differential
Function Expression, user subroutine
Sub-entity Spline, array

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Motion STRUCTURES
EasyFlex Toolkit
Unlike conventional finite element analysis, the Ansys Motion EasyFlex toolkit does not require
meshing prior to structural analysis. Since the meshing of complex 3D CAD is not needed, it makes
flexibility modeling available to all users, even those unfamiliar with meshing technologies. By using
the Ansys Motion EasyFlex toolkit, the strain and stress of machine parts with various shapes can be
calculated within minutes.

/ Description
• Ansys Motion EasyFlex does not generate a mesh so users who lack meshing skills may conduct flexibility analyses.
• The toolkit supports various 3D CAD types and modeling based on CAD geometry.
• Rigid body, tie and spot weld elements can be modeled between two EasyFlex bodies.
• Using a local refinement, Ansys Motion EasyFlex can obtain good results even with a small degree of freedom.
• It reduces the time and cost associated with the simplification of the design process and allows for automation
between the design process and CAE.
• It can account for contact nonlinearities.

/ Supported Entities

Contents Entities

Analysis Dynamics, kinematics and static analysis,

CAD All CAD ACIS, CATIA and STEP under each license Design Change

Parallel Process SMP and MPP under each license

Body Meshfree body

Meshfree Entity Rigid body elements (RBEs), tie, spot weld

Fix, revolute, translational, screw, cylindrical, universal,

Kinematic
planar, ball, orientation, distance, in-line, in-plane, paral-
Constraint
lel, perpendicular

Driving Displacement, velocity, acceleration, translational and

Constraint cylindrical joints

Relative
Coupler, gear, rack-and-pinion, cable
Constraint

TSD, RSD, bush, joint friction in revolute joint, T-scalar,

Force R-scalar, vector, matrix, gravity, bearing force, tire, beam
Local Refinement
group
(Power)
Contact General contact

Equation Variable, 1st order differential, 2nd order differential

Function Expression, user subroutine

Sub-entity Spline, array

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 18

Motion STRUCTURES

CAD Translators
Ansys Motion pre-processor is developed on the ACIS kernel; .sat, .sab files can be read directly.
Other CAD data files must be translated through the corresponding CAD translator.

/ Description
• The geometries in the Ansys Motion pre-processor are represented with the ACIS kernel. As a result, when other CAD types are
imported to Ansys Motion, they must be translated to the ACIS kernel. Ansys Motion supports several CAD translators with each
corresponding license.
• Translators allow for the automatic creation of bodies from a CAD file.
• Many solid geometries can be defined as one body.
• Units are automatically defined.

/ Supported Entities

Contents Entities Necessary Package

ACIS .sat, .sab –

CATIA .catpart, .catproduct Ansys Motion CATIA Translator

Parasolid .x_t, .x_b Ansys Motion Parasolid Translator

STEP .stp, .step Ansys Motion STEP Translator

Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 19

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Motion: A New Paradigm in Flexible Multibody Dynamics (MBD) // 20