Path optimization
The optimization module of SAM offers constrained single-function multi-parameter optimization. In this example a 4 bar mechanism is built where the coupler point needs to follow a path as good as possible. The target path is provided as a table of data. The automated optimization in SAM will find the best solution, being the best fit of the target path and the realised path.
Driving torque optimization
The optimization module of SAM offers constrained single-function multi-parameter optimization. Constraints are dealt with by treating each violation of a constraint as a penalty that is added to the original cost function. The software offers the option to define own results from the standard set of results via an advanced formula parser. This option is also used to define and add penalties. In this example a 4 bar mechanism with unbalance due to gravity will be in better balance after adding an extra mass. The automated optimization in SAM will find the best solution, being the lowest driving torque.
Results - user defined expressions
The sophisticated formula parser offers the possibility to combine simulation results in multiple ways to derive user defined results. One can define just one or a series of results. Each of the user defined results can be a single number (for example the maximum horizontal displacement) or a vector as function of time (distance between two moving nodes as function of time). A single number result is actually also stored as a vector as function of time with all identical values and can be plotted (yielding a straight line).
Results - display and export
Analysis results can be displayed in a graph or exported as a table. Position, velocity, accelleration, force and torque, bearing forces and a lot of other properties are available. The cursor in the graph is linked to the actual animation position. Export of the resulting data is also possible in a special format as used by SAM for reading input motion data.
Force vector
The user can define a force (value & direction) as function of time. Forces/torques can also be modeled as a function of any kinematic property. This feature can be used to model a force that has a fixed value and an angle that corresponds with the angle of an element. This basically mimics a force in a local coordinate system that moves together with the motion of one of the linkages.
Loads - force - torque
External forces, such as process forces, can be applied as function of time or as function of any motion result, that is calculated by SAM. The same holds for external torques. The user can define a force (value & direction) as function of time. Forces/torques can also be modeled as a function of any kinematic property. This feature can be used to model a force that has a fixed value and an angle that corresponds with the angle of an element. This basically mimics a force in a local coordinate system that moves together with the motion of one of the linkages. Mass/inertia can be part of a beam or it may be attached to a node.
