Introduction

Sometimes it is useful to condense several Adams elements in a model (parts, forces, joints, etc.) into one re-usable component. This can be done using something called a “User Defined Element” in Adams (often referred to as a “UDE”). When one defines the UDE and its components, one is creating a UDE Definition. When that definition is actually applied in a model, one is creating a UDE Instance. There are many examples of MSC-authored UDE usage in Adams products. Most of the components one creates in Adams Car or in Adams View via Adams Machinery are examples of UDE usage. Perhaps the most commonly used is the spring damper in Adams View.

This guide will explain how one can create and use UDEs in their own models.