3D contacts are defined between two or more bodies (a contact pair). During the definition, when you pick a feature on the parts, COSMOSMotion selects the corresponding body (and uses it for the contact analysis). At each frame during the simulation, COSMOSMotion calculates whether or not the parts' bounding boxes interfere. If they interfere, COSMOSMotion performs a finer interference calculation between the two bodies and from the center of gravity of the interference volume. MSC.Dynamic Designer computes and applies an impact force on both bodies. While 3D contact adds another dimension of contact and is much easier to define than curve-curve contact, it is much slower to solve simulations (due to interference calculations).
To create 3D contacts:
Display the Insert 3D Contact dialog box using one of the following methods:
From the Motion menu, point to Contact and then select 3D Contact.
From the Browser, right-click the Constraints branch, point to Add Contact and then select 3D Contact.
From the Browser, right-click the Contacts branch, and then select Add 3D Contact.
From the Browser, select one or two moving or ground parts, right-click one of the parts, and then select Add 3D Contact.
If not already selected, select the Definitions tab.
Select the components to be added to the first contact container. If a second container is to be defined, select Add Container for contact pairs.
Add components to the second container.
You can remove either of the containers by selecting Remove
Container.
Select the Contact tab.
Follow the instructions in Contact Properties and Contact Containers.
You
can choose between Precise Contact or Faceted Contact in the Simulation
tab.