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Example of Using Splines Imported from Test Data to Create Curves

Overview

To create geometric splines from a file you must create a matrix, create a curve using the matrix, and then create a bspline using the curve. The following steps outline this process.

Importing Test Data

To import test data:

■Import test data and create a spline as explained in the Adams View online help.

Creating a Matrix

Now, you create a matrix. Note that you can also import a matrix from a file formatted as explained in the MATRIX statement in the Adams Solver online help.

To create a matrix:

1. Click the Elements tab. From the Data Elements container, click the Matrix tool

(Classic interface) From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Matrix, and then select New.

2. Do the following:

♦Select Enter input ordered by columns.

♦Define the number of rows in matrix (number of points used to define curve).

♦Define the Column Count as 3 (x,y,z coordinates).

3. Display the Expression Builder to define the x matrix column from a previously created spline:

♦Right-click the Values text area, point to Parameterize, and then select Expression Builder.

♦Set Getting Object Data to All Objects.

♦Right-click All Object text area, point to All, and then select Browse.

The Database Navigator appears.

4. From the Database Navigator, select the spline containing the x values necessary to define your curve. For example:

model_1 -> spline_1

The spline name appears in the text area.

5. Select Get Data Owned By Object.

A selection box appears for these items,

6. Select the column of data containing the x values necessary to define your curve.

The expression appears in the text box. For example:

.model_1.spline_1.x

7. Because you want these numbers represented by this expression, frame the expression with the evaluation expression:

(eval(.model_1.spline_1.x))

8. Repeat Step 7 to define the y and z matrix columns expressions (or cut and paste from the x value column expression).

9. Make sure the column expressions are separated by commas. For example:

(eval(.model_1.spline_1.x)),

(eval(.model_1.spline_1.y)),

(eval(.model_1.spline_1.z))

10. Select OK to create the matrix.

Creating a Curve

To create a curve:

1. Click the Elements tab. From the Data Elements container, click the Curve tool

(Classic interface) From the Build menu, point to Data Elements, point to Curve, and then select New.

2. Select the matrix name of the matrix you created in Creating a Matrix.

3. Select OK.

Creating Geometry

To create geometry:

1. Click the Bodies tab. From the Constrution container, click the Spline tool

(Classic interface) On the Main toolbox, from the Rigid Body tool stack, select the Spline tool

2. Create a spline using a few points.

3. Right-click the spline you created, point to its geometry name, and then select Modify.

4. In the Curve Name text box, select the name of the curve created in Creating a Curve.

5. Select a reference marker for the geometry.

6. Select OK to create the bspline.

Note:

To have your geometry tightly line up with your curve, you should edit it so that the segment count is very high (for example, 1000 for a 51-point curve). This will give you a good representation of the curve shape. Remember, however, that geometry is not crucial to simulation results. Adams Solver will use your curve information. Therefore, if your curve shape is not what you would expect, it is your curve that must be modified, not your geometry.