Notes on Software for Mechanism Simulation and Analysis

Introduction to Software

• Topic: Software to simulate and analyze mechanisms.
• Software introduced: GIM (Geometry in Motion)
  • Available for download from the ILEARN website.
  • Developed by a university, free to use with proper citation in publications.

Other Software Options

1. Adams
   • Classic software, known for robustness (not currently available).
2. MotionSolve (Altair Hyperworks)
   • Available in labs, free student edition is accessible.
3. Working Model 2D
   • Cost: $29 for 6 months, $49 for 12 months.
   • Included with textbook purchase.
   • Not used in this class, GIM will be the focus.

Opening GIM Software

• Steps to open GIM:
  • Download and extract GIM, then start the software.
• Main features of the interface:
  • New file, open existing files, save current file options.

Key Modules in GIM

1. Geometry

• Create or modify mechanisms.
• Can download libraries of pre-built mechanisms.

2. Kinematics

• Perform kinematic simulations.
• Analyze motion and dynamics, including forces.
• Includes synthesis for specifying desired motion.

3. Workspace Analysis

• Analyze the constructed mechanisms.

Creating a Mechanism Example

• Example of creating a four-bar mechanism:
  1. Create key points representing key locations in the mechanism (e.g., inputs, fixed points).
  2. Create links between key points using the ‘link’ tool.
  3. Add joints (e.g., revolute joints) between links to enable movement.
  4. Connect links to ground if necessary.
  5. Use the modify tool to adjust points or links as needed.

Kinematics Analysis

• Steps to perform kinematics analysis:
  1. Select kinematics icon.
  2. Choose between single position analysis, controlled motion, or automatic motion.
  3. Execute the analysis to visualize possible motion and obtain key parameters (degrees of freedom, velocities).

Library Features

• GIM contains a library of mechanisms:
  • Options for 1, 2, or 3 degree of freedom mechanisms.
  • Ability to modify selected mechanisms by moving points and testing behavior.

Conclusion

• GIM is user-friendly and suitable for quickly creating and analyzing mechanisms.
• Future sessions will cover synthesis – creating mechanisms based on desired motion.