Comparing Plot Results

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Plot curve preservation works by either making a preserved copy of an existing curve or selecting the selected curve to be preserved. This means that the values for that curve are fixed based on the results set that was active when the operation took place. Learn more.

Plot curve preservation allows you to store curve results from old simulations and to quickly compare them against current results.

This exercise uses a toggle clamp model to demonstrate the plot curve preservation capability in COSMOSMotion.

In SolidWorks (Tools -> Options -> External References), make sure that the option, Update component names when documents are replaced is not active. If the option is active, the model will not be correctly set up.

Loading the Model

The model is set up with a load on the lever and a joint representing the contact between the clamp and the tool part. You will vary the length of the clamp arm to verify the effect it has on the clamping force.

To load the model:

  1. From the COSMOSMotion installation directory, go to Tutorials/plot_preservation_exercise.

  2. Make a copy of this folder to a different location and then open plot_curve_comparison_start.SLDASM.

    COSMOSMotion informs you which documents will be converted when saved.

Running a Simulation and Plotting Clamp Force

The simulation is set up to run for 1 second and 50 frames. The lever force ramps up to 100 lbs over the 1-second interval.

To run a simulation and plot force:

  1. At the bottom of the Browser, select the Run Simulation button image\ebx_-1102987888.gif.

  2. In the treeview, expand the Joints branch.

  3. Right-click Clamp_part_contact, point to Plot, point to Reaction Force, and then select Y component.

    COSMOSMotion displays the following plot:

Creating a Preserved Curve

To create a preserved curve:

  1. From the treeview, expand the XY Plots branch, and then select Force –Y-Clamp_part_contact.

  2. Right-click Clamp_part_contact (the result curve being plotted), and then select Preserve and Copy.

    COSMOSMotion creates a second curve under the plot in the treeview and a second curve on the plot (although you will not see it because it currently has the same values as the active results).

  3. Right-click Force-Y-Clamp_part_contact, point to Properties, and then select Plot.

  4. Change the plot to have a Single Y Axis.

Changing Clamp Arm Length

To change the length of the clamp arm:

  1. Select the FeatureManagerdesigntree tab .

  2. Right-click SW3dPS-TOGGLE CLAMP_front arm, and then select Component Properties.

  3. Set Use named configuration to clamp_part_far.  

  4. Select OK.

    COSMOSMotion updates the assembly.

Running the Simulation

To run the simulation:

  1. Select the Motion tab.

  2. Run another simulation.

    COSMOSMotion updates the plot.

The plot shows that because of reduced mechanical advantage, the new contact (clamping) force is significantly less than when the arm was shorter.

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