Dynamic Simulation:

Overview

Objective

The objective of this module is to provide an overview of

the dynamic simulation capabilities in Autodesk
Inventor software.
It explains the similarities between constraints used to
position parts in an assembly and the joint (kinematic)
constraints used to control motion.

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 Section 4 Dynamic Simulation

Autodesk Inventor Assemblies Module 1 Overview

Page 2

Autodesk Inventor is a comprehensive modeling

system that allows complex assemblies to be created
from individual part models during the design
process.

The main advantage of the assembly modeling

process is that it allows the design team to ensure
that all parts fit together and function as intended.

A by-product of the assembly modeling process is

that the mechanical properties of the individual parts
and the overall assembly are available to use for
simulation.

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 Section 4 Dynamic Simulation

Assembly Constraints Module 1 Overview

Page 3

The interaction between

parts in an Inventor assembly Four fundamental
is controlled by constraints. assembly constraints in
Inventor allow complex
Each part constraint has
models to be created.
equations associated with it
that allows the creation of a
system of equations that
define the position of each
part in the assembly.
This system of equations is
solved each time a part is
moved to determine the Mate Angle Tangent Insert
position of the other parts.

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 Section 4 Dynamic Simulation

Kinematic (Joint) Constraints Module 1 Overview

Page 4

The motion of mechanisms is

controlled by kinematic
constraints and the
equations of motion.
Kinematic constraints define
how parts move relative to
each other at joints or
contact points.
Each kinematic constraint
removes specific degrees of
freedom from the system. Example of
Kinematic constraints can Kinematic
Constraints in
often be inferred from Inventor
assembly constraints.
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 Section 4 Dynamic Simulation

Dynamic Simulation Module 1 Overview

Page 5

Dynamic Simulation in
Example of time
Inventor provides a tool for dependent forces and
computing the dynamic motion computed in
motion and associated Inventors Dynamic
constraint forces in Simulation
Environment.
mechanical assemblies.
Dynamic Simulation can
either automatically convert
assembly constraints into
kinematic constraints or the
user can define them
manually.
Dynamic Simulation is
associative; part and
constraint information is
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 Section 4 Dynamic Simulation

Module Summary Module 1 Overview

Page 6

This module has provided an overview of the dynamic

simulation capability in Autodesk Inventor software.
It explained the similarities between constraints used to
position parts in an assembly and the joint (kinematic)
constraints used to control motion.
Subsequent modules will provide more detailed
information on the governing equations and methods
used to create a dynamic simulation.

Freely licensed for use by educational institutions. Reuse and changes require
2011 Autodesk
a note indicating that content has been modified from the original, and must www.autodesk.com/edcommunity
Education Community
attribute source content to Autodesk.