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Motion Simulation and Mechanism (Design
with COSMOSMotion 2007

Kuang-Hua Chang, Ph.D.
School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering The University of Oklahoma

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Motion Simulation m£ Mechanism (Design
with COSMOSMotion 2007

Kuang-Hua Chang, Ph.D.
School of Aerospace and MechanicalEngineering The University of Oklahoma

ISBN: 978-1-58503-482-6

PUBLICATIONS

Copyright © 2008 by Kuang-Hua Chang.
All rights reserved. This document may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, transmitted, or translated in any form or for any purpose without the express written consent of the publisher Scnroff Development Corporation.

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Mechanism

Design

with

COSMOSMotion

Preface
This b o o k is written to help y o u b e c o m efamiliar w i t h COSMOSMotion, an add-on m o d u l e of the SolidWorks software family, w h i c h supports m o d e l i n g a n d analysis (or simulation) of m e c h a n i s m s in a virtual (computer) environment. Capabilities in COSMOSMotion support y o u to use solid m o d e l s created in SolidWorks to simulate and visualize m e c h a n i s m m o t i o n and performance. Using COSMOSMotionearly in the product development stage could prevent costly (and sometimes painful) redesign due to design defects found in the physical testing phase. Therefore, using COSMOSMotion for support of design decision m a k i n g contributes to a m o r e cost effective, reliable, and efficient product design process. This b o o k covers the basic concepts and frequently used c o m m a n d s required toadvance readers from a novice to an intermediate level in using COSMOSMotion. Basic concepts discussed in this b o o k include m o d e l generation, such as assigning m o v i n g parts and creating j o i n t s and constraints; carrying out simulation and animation; and visualizing simulation results, such as graphs and spreadsheet data. These concepts are introduced using simple, yet realisticexamples. Verifying the results obtained from the computer simulation is extremely important. O n e of the u n i q u e features of this b o o k is the incorporation of theoretical discussions for kinematic a n d dynamic analyses in conjunction with the simulation results obtained using COSMOSMotion. T h e p u r p o s e of the theoretical discussions lies in solely supporting the verification ofsimulation results, rather than providing an in-depth discussion on the subject of m e c h a n i s m design. COSMOSMotion is not foolproof. It requires a certain level of experience and expertise to master the software. Before arriving at that level, it is critical for y o u to verify the simulation results w h e n e v e r possible. Verifying the simulation results will increase y o u r confidence inusing the software and prevent y o u from being fooled (hopefully, only occasionally) by any erroneous simulations produced by the software. E x a m p l e files h a v e b e e n p r e p a r e d for y o u to go t h r o u g h the lessons, including SolidWorks parts and assemblies, as well as completed COSMOSMotion m o d e l s . Y o u m a y w a n t to start each lesson by reviewing the introduction and mo d e l sections and opening the assembly in COSMOSMotion to see the m o t i o n simulation, in h o p e of gaining m o r e understanding about the e x a m p l e problems. In addition, Excel spreadsheets that support the theoretical verifications of selected examples are also available. Y o u m a y d o w n l o a d all m o d e l files and Excel spreadsheets from the w e b site of Schroff...