Animating Basic Vehicle Models Using Simscape Multibody

Hello everyone I have very basic model of an underwater vehicle with 1 arm which I drew with Solid Works.

I have downloaded the multibody link for Solidworks and I can export the model with no issues.

When I import the model in the Matlab I get the following Simscape model.

Now what I want to do is to control this model manually. When I start the simulation the model starts making a pre-determined movement in the Mechanics Explorer.

Also worth mentioning here, the main body is a sixDOF joint because it is not fixed since I want whole model to be able to move in the space freely.

How can I manually give movement to the model and If I'm not giving any motion value I want model to sit still.

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

You can use Simulink dashboard blocks to control parameters within the simulation. This would allow you to specify position, speed, velocity, force, or torque to any of the degrees of freedom that can be controlled by a Simulink signal.

You would need to configure your joints to accept either motion input or force/torque input. That can be done in the "Actuation" portion of the joint blocks in your Simscape Multibody model.

If you choose to provide inputs to your model in this way, you should enable simulation pacing in your model. That way, the inputs you provide manually will be synchronized with what you are seeing in the animation.

--Steve