Learning Basics

Overview

Starting Adams View

You or your system administrator can customize how you start Adams View and how Adams View looks after
you start it.

To start Adams View in Linux:

1. At the command prompt, enter the command to start the Adams Toolbar, and then press Enter. The
standard command that MSC provides is adamsx, where x is the version number, for example
adams2019, which represents Adams 2019.2.
The Adams Toolbar appears.

2. Click the Adams View tool .

For more information on the Adams Toolbar, see Running and Configuring Adams.

To start Adams View in Windows:

1. On the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Adams 2019.2, and then select Adams View.
For more information on running Adams products from the Start menu, see Running and Configuring
Adams.

Starting a New Modeling Session

When you start Adams View, Adams View displays a Welcome to Adams dialog box that lets you to create a new
Modeling database or use an existing one. The Welcome dialog box also lets you to specify your working
directory.
Adams View also displays the Welcome dialog box when you use the New Database command to create a
new modeling database in which to store your models. The Welcome dialog box is shown below.
2 Adams View
Overview

To create a New Model:

1. Specify the directory to be used as your working directory. Adams View saves all files in this directory.
You can change the working directory at any time. Learn about specifying working directory.
2. If you selected to create a new model, do the following:
• In the Model name text box, enter the name you want assigned to the new model. You can enter
up to 80 alphanumeric characters. You cannot include special characters, such as spaces or
periods.
• Select the gravity settings for the new model. You can select:
• Earth Normal - Sets the gravity to 1 G downward.
• No Gravity - Turns off the gravitational force.
• Other - Lets you set the gravity as desired. The Gravity Settings dialog box appears after you
select OK on the Welcome dialog box.
3. Select a preset unit system for your model. In all the preset unit systems, time is in seconds and angles
are in degrees. You can set:
• MMKS - Sets length to millimeter, mass to kilogram, and force to Newton.
 Learning Basics 3
Overview

• MKS - Sets length to meter, mass to kilogram, and force to Newton.

• CGS - Sets length to centimeter, mass to gram, and force to Dyne.
• IPS - Sets length to inch, mass to slug, and force to PoundForce.
4. If you do not want any of the preset unit systems, you can change the units as required. Learn about
changing the default units.
5. Select OK.
Adams View creates a new model for you. If you selected to set gravity when creating a new model,
the Gravity Settings dialog box appears. Learn about specifying gravitational force.

To open an Existing Model:

1. Using Browse option:
a. Right-click a text box that requires a file name to display a shortcut menu.
b. Select Browse to display the Select File dialog box.
c. Double-click the directory that contains the file.
d. In the File Name box, type the file name you want to open, or highlight the file in the list.
The file name with extension .bin, .adm and .cmd can be opened through Browse option.
e. Select Open.
2. Using a Search Path:
a. Right-click a text box that requires a file name to display a shortcut menu.
b. Point to Search, and then select a search path that contains the file you are looking for. For
example, if you are searching for a examples view files, select $aview_dir/examples.
The Select File dialog box appears.
c. Locate the file in the list, and then select Open.

Adams View Main Window

After you create the new or open the existing model the Adams View main window appears.
4 Adams View
Overview

Adams View Ribbon based Interface

Exiting Adams View

To exit Adams View:
1. On the File menu, select Exit.
2. If you did not save your work, asks you if you want to save your work:
• To save your work and exit Adams View, select OK. If you want to save the modeling database
with a new name in the current directory, enter the new name in the Filename text box.
• To exit without saving your work, select Exit, Don’t Save.
• To continue using Adams View, select Cancel.
 Learning Basics 5
Overview

Note: If you accidentally exit without saving your work, you can use the Adams View Log file
(aview.log) to recover your work. Learn about using the Adams View log file

Starting Adams View (Classic)

You or your system administrator can customize how you start Adams View and how Adams View looks after
you start it.

To start Adams View in Linux:

1. At the command prompt, enter the command to start the Adams Toolbar, and then press Enter. The
standard command that MSC provides is adamsx, where x is the version number, for example
adams2019.2, which represents Adams 2019.2.
The Adams Toolbar appears.

2. Click the Adams View tool .

For more information on the Adams Toolbar, see Running and Configuring Adams.

To start Adams View in Windows:

1. On the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Adams 2019.2, and then select Adams View.
For more information on running Adams products from the Start menu, see Running and Configuring
Adams.

Starting a New Modeling Session

When you start Adams View, Adams View displays a Welcome to Adams (Classic Interface) dialog box that lets
you create a new Modeling database or use an existing one. The Welcome dialog box also lets you import
modeling data and specify your working directory.
Adams View also displays the Welcome dialog box when you use the New Database command to create a
new modeling database in which to store your models. The Welcome dialog box is shown below.

To start a new session:

1. Select one of the options explained in the table below to indicate how you'd like to start using Adams
View, and then select OK.
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Overview

The option: Does the following:

New Model Lets you start a new modeling session with a new modeling database. Follow
Steps 2 and 3 to create the new modeling database.
Existing Model Lets you open an existing modeling database. Learn about Opening a Modeling
Database.
Exit Lets you exit Adams View without performing an operation.

2. Specify the directory to be used as your working directory. Adams View saves all files in this directory.
You can change the working directory at any time. Learn about specifying working directory.
3. If you selected to create a new model, do the following:
• In the Model name text box, enter the name you want assigned to the new model. You can enter
up to 80 alphanumeric characters. You cannot include special characters, such as spaces or
periods.
• Select the gravity settings for the new model. You can select:
• Earth Normal - Sets the gravity to 1 G downward.
• No Gravity - Turns off the gravitational force.
• Other - Lets you set the gravity as desired. The Gravity Settings dialog box appears after you
select OK on the Welcome dialog box.
4. Select a preset unit system for your model. In all the preset unit systems, time is in seconds and angles
are in degrees. You can set:
• MMKS - Sets length to millimeter, mass to kilogram, and force to Newton.
• MKS - Sets length to meter, mass to kilogram, and force to Newton.
• CGS - Sets length to centimeter, mass to gram, and force to Dyne.
• IPS - Sets length to inch, mass to slug, and force to PoundForce.
5. If you do not want any of the preset unit systems, you can change the units as required. Learn about
changing the default units.
6. Select OK.
Adams View creates a new model for you. If you selected to set gravity when creating a new model,
the Gravity Settings dialog box appears. Learn about specifying gravitational force.

Modeling Process
The steps that you use in Adams View to create a model mirror the same steps that you would use to build a
physical prototype. Click a step below or use the arrows on the right to read the steps sequentially.
 Learning Basics 7
Overview

Functional Virtual Prototyping Process

Although we’ve listed the steps that you perform to create a model as though you create the entire model at
once and then test and improve it, we recommend that you build and test small elements or subsystems of
your model before you build the entire model. For example, create a few modeling objects, connect them
together, and then run a simple simulation to test their motion and ensure that you are connecting them
correctly. Once these are modeled correctly, add more complexity to your model. By starting out slowly, you
can ensure that each subsystem works before moving on to the next step. We call this the crawl-walk-run
approach.

Adams View Main Window (Classic)

After you start Adams View, the Adams View main window appears.

Initial Adams View Window

Menu bar Welcome to Adams (Classic

Main toolbox

Status bar
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Overview

Exiting Adams View

To exit Adams View:
1. On the File menu, select Exit.
2. If you did not save your work, asks you if you want to save your work:
• To save your work and exit Adams View, select OK. If you want to save the model with a new
name in the current directory, enter the new name in the Filename text box.
• To exit without saving your work, select Exit, Don’t Save.
• To continue using Adams View, select Cancel.

Note: If you accidentally exit without saving your work, you can use the Adams View Log file
(aview.log) to recover your work. Learn about using the Adams View log file

Displaying Product Information

When using any Adams product, you can display the following information:
n Software version number and the date it was built
n Directory where Adams is installed
n Copyright statement

To display information about Adams View:

1. From the Help menu, select About.
2. View the information, and then select OK.

Tip: Shortcut from the Status bar, select .

Loading and Unloading Plugins

MSC has many add-on modules or plugins to Adams View, which expand its functionality. The plugins
include Adams Controls, Adams Vibration, Adams Durability and Adams Mechatronics. You run these
products from within Adams View. You can set Adams View to load them automatically when you start up.
You can also unload them while in your current session of Adams View. To run a plugin, you must have a
license to it. (To learn more about the various plugins, see their online help.)

To see if there is a license available to run a plugin:

1. From the Tools menu, select Plugin Manager.
The Plugin Manager appears.
2. At the top of the Plugin Manager, select a plugin.
 Learning Basics 9
Overview

3. At the bottom of the Plugin Manager, in the text box Licenses, view the number of licenses available.

To load an available plugin:

1. From the Tools menu, select Plugin Manager.
2. In the Load column, next to the plugins you want to load, select Yes.
3. Select OK.
The commands or menus for the plugins are added to Adams View.

To unload a plugin:
1. From the Tools menu, select Plugin Manager.
2. In the Load column, next to the plugin you want to unload, clear the selection of Yes.
3. Select OK.
Adams View removes any plugin menus or commands.

To set up a plugin so it loads automatically when you start Adams View:

1. From the Tools menu, select Plugin Manager.
2. In the Load at Startup column, next to the plugin you want to load automatically, select Yes.
3. Select OK.

Executing a System Command

You can execute an operating system command from within Adams View so that you do not have to leave the
Adams View window.
You can select to display the results of the command in the Information Window or the Log file. If you select to
display the results of the command in the Information window, you can:
n Clear the window and only view the results of the command.
n Save the results of the command to a file.
If you select to display the results in the log file, you can keep the command results with the other commands
that you execute so that you can cut and paste the information together into a new file.

To execute a system command within Adams View:

1. On the Tools menu, select System Command.
The Execute System Command dialog box appears.
2. In the Command Text text box, enter the operating system command that you want to execute. See
your operating system documentation for more information.
3. Select whether or not you want the output of the command to be displayed in the Information
window or the log file.
4. Select OK.
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Overview

Using the Adams View Log File

Adams View generates a log file during each Adams View session, called aview.log.
While you are running Adams, you can display the current contents of the log file. In addition, you can
display the log file in a text editor. The following sections explain how to display the log file in Adams View
and set the type of messages displayed.
n Viewing the Log File in Adams View
n Updating the Log File
n Setting the Log File Information

Note: You can change the name of the log file through the initialization file .mdi_init. For more
information, see Running and Configuring Adams.

Viewing the Log File in Adams View

You can use the Log File command on the Tools menu to display the log file. You can keep the dialog box
open as you execute commands so you can keep track of the commands and messages that you receive.
To help you use the log file as a command file, Adams View marks any messages as comments so that it does
not try to execute them when you import the command file. It indicates a comment by placing an
exclamation mark (!) in front of the message. Adams View also displays as comments any commands that it
executes when it starts up. To help you distinguish the startup commands from messages, Adams View follows
the exclamation mark (!) with the command prompt (>>).

To display the log file:

1. On the Tools menu, select Log File.
The Display Log File dialog box appears.
2. Select Info to display all messages written to the log file. The default is to display only warnings,
errors, and fatal messages.

Updating the Log File

Adams View does not update the Display Log File dialog box each time you execute a command. Therefore,
if you want to see the commands that you executed since you opened the dialog box, you must update the
log file.

To update the contents of the log file:

n From the Display Log File dialog box, select Update.

Setting the Log File Information

When you display the log file, Adams View displays only warnings, errors, and fatal messages that you have
received. You can change the type of messages that Adams View displays as well as display the commands that
Adams View has executed. You can also display only lines that contain certain information, such as display
 Learning Basics 11
Overview

only commands that create links, and remove any duplicate lines that occur if you encounter the same error
again.

To set the type of information displayed in the Display Log File dialog box:
1. Select the Show only lines of type check box and then select one of the following:
• Info - Displays all commands that you have executed in Adams View.
• Warning - Displays non-fatal messages that warn you of possible problems with commands you
entered.
• Error - Displays fatal messages that Adams View did not understand and, therefore, did not
successfully process.
• Fatal - Displays messages that indicated that your model would not simulate.
2. If desired, select Show only lines containing and enter the text that the line must contain in the text
box. You can also enter wildcards. Learn about using wildcards.
3. Select Apply.

To remove duplicate lines:

n From the Display Log File dialog box, select Suppress duplicate lines.

Using Wildcards
You can use wildcards to narrow any search, set the type of information displayed in a window, such as the
Database Navigator or the Log file, or specify a name of an object in a dialog box.

This character: Represents:

* (asterisk) Zero or more characters
? Any single character
[ab] Any one of the characters in the brackets
[^AB] Any character other than the characters following the caret symbol (^) in the brackets
[a-c] Any one character in a range enclosed in brackets
{AB, bc} Any of the character strings in the braces

Tips on Using Wildcards

Here are some tips for entering wildcards:
n Case is insignificant so xYz is the same as XYz.
n You can match alternative sequences of characters by enclosing them in braces and separating them
with commas. For example, the pattern a{ab,bc,cd}x matches aabx, abcx, and acdx.
n You can form character sets that match a single character using brackets [ ]. For example, [abc]d
matches ad, bd, and cd
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Overview

n You can use a dash (-) to create ranges of characters. For example, [a-f1-4] is the same as
[abcdef1234].
n You can use a backslash (\) to include a special character as part of the character set. For example,
[AB\]CD] includes the five characters A, B, ], C, and D.

Here are some examples of more complex patterns and possible matches:
n x*y - Matches any object whose name starts with x and ends with y. This would include xy, x1y, and
xaby.
n x??y - Matches only those objects with four-character long names that start with x and end with y.
This would include xaay, xaby, and xrqy.
n x?y* - Matches all of those objects whose names start with x and have y as the third character. This
would include xayee, xyy, and xxya.
n *{aa,ee,ii,oo,uu}* - Matches all those objects whose name contains the same vowel twice in a row.
This would include loops and skiing.
n [aeiou]*[0-9] - Matches any object whose name starts with a vowel and ends with a digit. This would
include eagle10, arapahoe9, and ex29.
n [^aeiou]?[xyz]* - Matches any object whose name does not start with a vowel and has x, y, or z as the
third letter. This would include thx1138, rex, and fizzy.
n You can use quotation marks to identify all objects with a certain naming pattern. The following
example describes how to set a damping ratio of 0.05 to all beams in .model_1 that have ‘_beam’
in the name.
for var=the_beam obj=.model_1."*_beam*" type=Beam
force modify element_like beam &
beam_name = (eval(the_beam).name) &
damping_ratio = 0.05
end !for

Adams View Tools

Adams View provides following tools. Click on each tool to learn more.
n Coordinate window
n Command Navigator
n Command Window
n Message Window
n Information Window
n Database Navigator
n Table Editor
 Learning Basics 13
Ribbon Capability

Ribbon Capability

Introduction
The Adams 2019.2 ribbon based style interface and the GUI explained below.

Figure 1 Adams View 2019.2 Ribbon based Interface

Main Menu
Main menu divided in to following sections.
n Text-based menus
n File handling Strip

n Selection Strip
14 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

n View Plane Strip

n Object Manipulation Strip

n View Manipulation Strip

Text-based menus
n File
n Edit
n View
n Settings
n Tools

Important: Those users who customize the Adams View main text menu should be advised that this text
menu's location is .gui.main.mmenu_menu.mbar_refresh. The Adams View main text
menu for the Classic interface style remains .gui.main.mbar as it has been in previous
releases. To learn more about customizing Adams View refer to Customizing Adams View.

File handling Strip

n Create New Model

n Save Database

n Redo

n Undo

Selection Strip
 Learning Basics 15
Ribbon Capability

Select, clear the select list. Double click to display model.

View Plane Strip

n Set the view orientation in front

n Set the view orientation to right

n Set the view orientation to top

n Set the view to isometric

n Set the view plane to coincident with the xy plane of an object users select

Object Manipulation Strip

n Create Material

n Change Entity Color

This will allow you to change the entity color. Right click on the button for more color
option.

n Reposition objects relative to view coordinates

n Point-to-Point Tool - Translating from Initial Location to Another

n Align & Rotate Tool - Rotating Objects About or Along Grid or Features

n Mate Faces Tool - Positioning Objects by Aligning Faces

n Exact Position Tool - Moving Objects Exactly

16 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

n Using Object Position Handle

n Coordinate System Settings

n f(x) Tool

n f( θ ) tool

n Moving Objects Using the Precision Move Dialog Box

n Create new group

View Manipulation Strip

n View Fit

n Dynamic Pick

n Center

n Rotate

n Dynamic Translate

n Dynamic Zoom
 Learning Basics 17
Ribbon Capability

Ribbon: Tabbed icon

Bodies

Solids

n Box Tool

n Cylinder Tool

n Sphere Tool

n Frustum Tool

n Torus Tool

n Link Tool

n Plate Tool

n Extrusion Tool

n Revolution Tool
18 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

n Plane Tool

Flexible Bodies

n Adams Flex

n Rigid to Flex

n Flex to Flex

n MNF XForm

n Discrete Flexible Link

n ViewFlex

Construction

n Point Tool

n Marker Tool

n Polyline Tool

n Arc Tool

n Spline Tool
 Learning Basics 19
Ribbon Capability

n Point Mass

Booleans

n Unite Tool

n Merge Tool

n Intersect Tool

n Cut Tool

n Split Tool

n Chain Tool

Features

n Chamfer Tool

n Fillet Tool

n Hole Tool

n Boss Tool

n Hollow Tool
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Ribbon Capability

Connectors

Joints

n Fixed Joint Tool

n Revolute Joint Tool

n Translational Joint Tool

n Cylindrical Joint Tool

n Spherical Joint Tool

n Constant-Velocity Joint Tool

n Hooke/Universal Joint Tool

n Screw Joint Tool

n Planar Joint Tool

 Learning Basics 21
Ribbon Capability

Primitives

n Parallel Axes Joint Tool

n Orientation Joint Tool

n Perpendicular Axes Joint Tool

n Inplane Joint Tool

n Inline Joint Tool

Couplers

n Gear Joint Tool

n Coupler Joint Tool

Special

n Point-Curve Constraint Tool

n 2D Curve-Curve Constraint Tool

n General Constraint
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Ribbon Capability

Motions

Joint Motions

n Translational Motion Tool

n Rotational Motion Tool

General Motions

n Point Motion

n General Point Motion Tool

Forces

Applied Forces

n Single-Component Force tool

n Three-Component Force tool

 Learning Basics 23
Ribbon Capability

n Six-Component General Force tool

n Single-Component Torque tool

n Three-Component Torque tool

Flexible Connections

n Bushing Tool

n Rotational Spring Damper

n Field Element Tool

n Translational Spring Damper Tool

n Beam

Special Forces

n Contact

n Tire

n Modal Force

n Gravity
24 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

Elements

Data Elements

n Spline Tool

n General Spline

n Array

n Create/Modify Matrix

n Data Element Create Curve

n Create/Modify String

n Create FEMDATA

n Data Element Create Plant Input

n Data Element Create Plant Output

n Data Element Create Plant State

 Learning Basics 25
Ribbon Capability

System Elements

n Create/Modify State Variable

n Create/Modify Differential Equation

n Create/Modify Transfer Function

n Part Create Equation Linear State Equation

n Create/Modify General State Equation

Function

n Function Builder

Controls Toolkit

n Create/Modify Standard Controls Block

Design Exploration

Design Variable

n Create/Modify Design Variable

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Ribbon Capability

Measures

n Object Measure

n Point-to-Point Measure

n Angle Measure

n Orientation Measure

n Range Measure

n Computed Measure

n Function Measure

n Display Measures

Instrumentation

n Create a Request

n Create/Modify Sensor

n Create Run-Time Clearance

Design Evaluation

n Create Design Objective

n Optimize Objective Evaluate

 Learning Basics 27
Ribbon Capability

n Create Design Constraint

n Optimize Constraint Evaluate

n Evaluate All With Default Analysis

n Design Evaluation Tools

Adams Insight

n Adams Insight Export

n Adams Insight Display

Plugins

Controls

n Controls

Vibration

n Vibration
28 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

Durability

n Durability

Mechatronics

n Mechatronics

Note: Plugins located on this tab may be initially loaded by clicking the corresponding icon. To
unload these plugins or to subsequently reload these plugins one must use the Plugin Manager
located under the Tools menu. To learn more about the Plugin Manager, see section Loading
and Unloading Plugins.

Machinery

Gear
n Create Gear Pair
n Planetary Gear
n Gear Output

Belt
n Create Pully
n Create Belt
n Belt Actuation Input

Chain
n Create Sprockets
n Create Chain
n Sprocket Actuation Input
 Learning Basics 29
Ribbon Capability

Bearing
n Create Bearing
n Bearing Output

Cable
n Create Cable

Motor
n Create Motor

Cam
n Create Follower Motion
n Create Cam Profile
n Construct Cam System

Simulation

Setup

n Create/Modify Simulation Script

n Import ACF

Simulate

n Interactive Controls

n Scripted Controls
30 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

Results

Review

n Animation Controls

n Create Trace Spline

n Linear Modes Controls

Adams PostProcessor

n Adams PostProcessor
 Learning Basics 31
Ribbon Capability

Model Browser

Browse
The browse tab is the default tab. It depicts a hierarchy of all the objects in the database. It has nine top level
folders that contain the objects by type. The objects that do not fit into the first eight categories, are included
in the "All Other" folder.

Groups
The Groups tab allows the user to gather database objects together.

Filters
The Filters tab enables you to create and save complex searches which can update dynamically.
To learn more about the model browser see section Model Browser.
32 Adams View
Ribbon Capability

Status Toolbar
View Setup Strip

n Set background color

n Toggle visibility

n Window layout

n Single: Toggle grid visibility. Double - grid settings

n Toggle project between orthograpic and perspective

n Wireframe/Shaded toggle for current view

n Toggle icon visibility for current view

Information Strip

n List information about database objects

n Stop command
 Learning Basics 33
Setting Preferences

Setting Preferences

Setting Default Coordinate System

Coordinate Systems in Adams View
When you first start Adams View, it displays a View triad in the lower left corner. The view triad displays the
global coordinate system for the Modeling database.
By default, Adams View uses a Cartesian coordinate system as the global coordinate system with three axes (x, y,
and z). Adams View attaches the ground part to the global coordinate system and by default positions all other
modeling objects to it.

Rotation Sequences
Adams View uses three orientation angles to perform three rotations about the axes of a coordinate system.
You specify the order in which axes are rotated about as a sequence of three numbers (1,2,3), which
correspond to x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively. For example, a rotation order of 312 produces rotations about
the z-, then x-, and then y-axis. Adams View provides you with a set of 24 rotation sequences from which to
choose. The most commonly used rotation sequence, body 313, is the default sequence.
The figure below shows how successive rotations defined by the rotation angles orient the axes. Dashed lines
represent original orientations and solid lines represent new and unchanged orientations.

n The first angle rotates the coordinate system about its z-axis. This repositions the x-axis and the y-
axis (see a in figure).
n The second angle rotates the coordinate system about its new x-axis (x´) to reposition the new y-axis
(y´) and the z-axis (see b in figure).
34 Adams View
Setting Preferences

n The third angle rotates the coordinate system about its new z-axis (z´) to reposition the new x-axis
(x´) and the second new y-axis (y´´).
Together and in sequence, these rotations define the orientation of the coordinate system (see c in figure).
The right-hand rule defines the direction of positive rotation about each axis. For example, if you are looking
down the initial z-axis, positive rotations are counterclockwise and negative rotations are clockwise.

To set the default coordinate system:

1. Do one of the following:
• On the Settings menu, select Coordinate System.
• On the Move tool stack of the Main toolbox, select the Coordinate System tool .
The Coordinate System Setting dialog box appears.
2. Select the type of location coordinate systems: cartesian, cylindrical, spherical
3. Select the type of rotation sequence. See Rotation Sequences.
4. Select either:
• Space fixed - Adams View applies the rotations about axes that remain in their original
orientation.
• Body fixed - Adams View applies the rotations about axes that move with the body as it rotates.
As Adams View applies each rotation to an axis, it produces a new set of axes.
5. Select OK.

Specifying Gravitational Force

You can specify the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of gravity. For each part with mass, the
gravitational force produces a point force at its center of mass.

To turn off gravity:

n From the Gravity Settings dialog box, clear the Gravity check box.
When you turn on gravity, an icon appears in the middle of the Adams View Main window. To turn off the
display of the gravity icon, see Edit Appearance Dialog Box.

To turn on and specify gravitational force:

1. Do one of the following:
• On the Settings menu, select Gravity.
• On the Create Forces Palette and Tool Stack of the Main toolbox, select the Gravity tool .

The Gravity Settings dialog box appears.

2. Select the Gravity check box to turn on gravity.
 Learning Basics 35
Setting Preferences

3. Set the acceleration of the gravity in the x, y, and z directions with respect to the global coordinate
system. See the table below for assistance.
4. Select OK.

To enter: Do the following:

A value Enter the acceleration value in the X, Y, or Z text boxes as appropriate.
A standard value Select a standard button (+ or -) for the direction you want to set. The standard
(+ or -) acceleration value appears in the apropriate X, Y, or Z text boxes.

Setting Screen and Printer Fonts

You can change the font Adams View uses to display text in a view, such as the name of a part or a note on
the screen, or to print text to a printer. The fonts available for displaying text in a view are those available
with your operating system. The fonts available for printing text are a fixed set of 12 fonts. Note that your
printer may not support all of these printer fonts. Learn about Printing Models.

To select a screen or printer font:

1. On the Settings menu, select Fonts.
The Fonts dialog box appears.
2. In the Screen Font text box, enter the name of the font you want Adams View to use to display text
in a view. To browse for a font, right-click the text box, select Browse, and select a font.
3. Set Postscript Font to the font you want to use to print text.
4. Select OK.

Specifying Working Directory

By default, Adams View searches for and saves all files in the directory from which you ran Adams View. You
can change the working directory.

To change the working directory for the current session:

1. On the File menu, select Select Directory.
Select the directory in which Adams View should save files.
2. Select OK.
You can also set the working directory when you start Adams View. Learn about starting a new session.

To change the working directory for all sessions:

1. On Linux:
• From the Adams Toolbar, right-click the Adams View tool, and then select Change Settings.
• In the Registry Editor, select WorkingDirectory, and then change the working directory.
36 Adams View
Setting Preferences

For more information, see Running and Configuring Adams.

2. On Windows:
From the Adams Settings, choose Shared, then Preferences.
a. Enable startInWorkingDirectory
b. Set the workingDirectory to the directory Adams is to start in.

Setting Units of Measurement

You can set the units that Adams View uses in modeling, importing, and exporting files. You can select
individual units or select a set group of units.

Units of Measurement in Adams View

The units of measurement that Adams View provides for you are shown in the table below. The table also
shows the default units when you start a new session

For the The default

dimension: Its supported units are: unit is:
Length Meter, Millimeter, Centimeter, Kilometer, Inch, Foot, Mile, Micrometer, Millimeter
Nanometer, Angstrom, Microinch, Mils, Yard
Mass Kilogram, Gram, PoundMass, OunceMass, Slug, KilopoundMass, Kilogram
Tonne, Milligram, Microgram, Nanogram, Us_ton
Force Newton, KilogramForce, Dyne, PoundForce, OunceForce, KiloNewton, Newton
KilopoundForce, MilliNewton, CentiNewton, Poundal, Micronewton,
Nanonewton, Meganewton
Time Second, Minute, Hour, Millisecond, Microsecond, Nanosecond, Day Second
Angle Radian, Degree, Revolutions, AngularMinutes, AngularSeconds Degree
Frequency Radians per second, Hertz Radians per
second

Entering Unit Measurements in Text Boxes

When you enter a numeric value in a text box, you can specify the units of measurement that you want used
for the value or let Adams View use the default unit. For example, you can specify the length of a link in
millimeters even when the default unit is set to meters.
When you want to enter an alternate unit, you include the value and its unit. Adams View encloses the value
and unit in parentheses ( ). You can also enter an abbreviation for the unit. For example, to specify 60
millimeters, enter the following:
(60mm)
You set default units when you create an Adams View model or you can use the Units command on the
Settings menu to change the units.
 Learning Basics 37
Setting Preferences

Unit Labels
To enter units other than the default in text boxes, you can use either simple unit labels or composed unit
labels.

Simple Unit Labels

Simple units: Simple unit Labels: Minimal abbreviations:

Length centimeter centimeter
cm c
foot f
ft ft
inch i
kilometer kilometer
km km
m m
meter met
mile mile
millimeter millimeter
mm mm
Angle am am
angular_minutes angular_m
angular_seconds angular_s
as as
degree d
radian r
Mass gram g
kg kg
kilogram kilogram
kpound_mass kpound_m
lbm lbm
megagram meg
ounce_mass ounce_m
pound_mass pound_m
slug sl
38 Adams View
Setting Preferences

Simple units: Simple unit Labels: Minimal abbreviations:

Time hour ho
millisecond millis
minute min
ms ms
second s
Force dyne dy
kg_force kg_
kilogram_force kilogram_force
knewton kn
kpound_force kpound_f
lbf lbf
millinewton millin
newton ne
ounce_force ounce_f
pound_force pound_f
Frequency hz hz
radians/second radians/sec

Any unique abbreviation for a simple unit label is acceptable. For example, you can abbreviate radians in the
following ways, since none of the abbreviations conflict with abbreviations for any other units:
radians = radian = radia = radi = rad = ra = r
There are three exceptions for entering unique aliases:

Aliases: Unit Labels:

d degrees, although it conflicts with dynes
kg kilograms, although it conflicts with kg_force
m meters, although it conflicts with mile, minute, ms, millisecond, and millinewton

Here are some examples of unit labels associated with a number within text boxes:
n 1mm
n 1.2 inch (spaces are not significant)
n 24in (you can use abbreviations)

Composed Unit Labels

Composed unit labels enable you to create aggregate units. You do this by combining Simple Unit Labels and
operators. There are three operators for composing aggregate units from existing simple units:
 Learning Basics 39
Setting Preferences

Operator: Notation: Comment:

Exponentiation ** Right operand must be an integer: inch**2
Multiplication - or * foot-pound_f = foot*pound_f
Division /

A composed unit label is always enclosed in parentheses to eliminate ambiguity. Here are some tips and
examples of composed unit labels:
n To indicate torque, enter: 3.3 (newton*meter)
n To indicate composed acceleration, enter: 9.8 (meter/sec**2)
n To indicate angular acceleration, enter : PI (rad/sec**2)
n To indicate multiplication with a dash, enter: (fun(1)*3)(in - lbf)
n You cannot include parentheses inside of composed units. Therefore, the following is incorrect:
1.2 (inch / (sec*deg))
Instead, enter the following:
1.2 (inch / sec/deg)

Tip: In general, if you see units associated with numbers in the information window, command file,
log file, and so on, you should be able to take that unit string and use it in a text box without
error.

To set the unit of measurement in Adams View:

1. On the Settings menu, select Units.
The Units Settings dialog box appears.
2. Select the unit of measurement for each of the dimensions using the table below for assistance.
3. Select OK.
40 Adams View
Setting Preferences

To select: Do the following:

Unit for a specific Select the individual unit from the pull-down menu associated with the dimension.
dimensions
Predefined unit Select one of the following buttons. In all the unit systems, time is in seconds and
system angle is in degrees. When you select a predefined unit system, the units selected appear
in the upper portion of the dialog box.

n MMKS - Sets length to millimeters, mass to kilograms, and force to Newtons.

n MKS - Sets length to meters, mass to kilograms, and force to Newtons.
n CGS - Sets length to centimeters, mass to grams, and force to Dyne.
n IPS - Sets length to inches, mass to pound mass, and force to PoundForce.

Interface Style
The user is provided with the option to switch 'Classic' View interface. This options provided under the main
menu Settings → Interface style → Classic. If user wants to switch back to the new ribbon based view then
select Settings → Interface style → Default.

Saving and Restoring Settings

You can save the current settings of the display of your model and any other settings you specify through the
Settings menu. Adams View saves your settings in the file aviewBS.cmd in the directory from which you ran
Adams View.
The settings that Adams View saves include:
n Part and model display
n Rendering mode, colors, and translucency
n Visibility of the View triad, Screen icons, Working grid, and Coordinate window
n Settings for working grid, units, and screen icons
n Force graphics
n Toolbox and toolbar display and placement
n Simulation preferences
n Solution controls
When you start up Adams View, Adams View reads the settings stored in aviewBS.cmd, if it exists in your
path, and uses them instead of any settings in the Modeling database.

To save settings:
1. Set the display of your model and any other Adams View settings, as desired.
2. From the Settings menu, select Save Settings.
 Learning Basics 41
Model Browser

To restore the saved settings:

1. From the Settings menu, select Restore Settings.

Model Browser

Welcome to the Model Browser

Model Browser represents a hierarchical overview of all objects in the database. It also provides advanced
functionality to:
n Search the objects in the database.
n Create and manage filters.
n Create and manage object groups.

Model Browser Interface

The Model Browser provides a simpler and intuitive interface for model construction, and easy access to
hierarchical objects in the database. It is an integral part of to the Adams View window and located on the
left side, as shown below:
42 Adams View
Model Browser

The Model Browser window can be divided into three sections, based on the three tabs:
n Browse
n Group
n Filters
These three tabs are discussed in detail in separate sections, later in this chapter.

Moving and Docking/Undocking the Model Browser

You can dock/undock and move the Model Browser window. It can be docked on the left (default) or right
edge of the Adams\View window.
n To undock the Model Browser, double-click on its control bar. The browser gets undocked.
 Learning Basics 43
Model Browser

n To dock the undocked Model Browser, double-click on its control bar. The browser gets docked on
its previous location.
n To dock the undocked Model Browser on a different (right/left) location, click on the browser’s
control bar and drag the window where you want to dock the window; when you get close enough,
the browser will jump into the docking position.
n To move the undocked Model Browser, click on its control bar and drag anywhere on your screen.

Working with objects in the Model Browser

n To select a single object, click on it.
n To select multiple objects, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the desired objects.
n To select a range of objects, hold down the Shift key and select a range of objects.
These actions may differ slightly depending on the current tab (Browse, Groups, or Filters) and are discussed
in detail in respective sections.
The text objects, selected in the browser window get synchronized with their corresponding objects in the
graphics viewport as well as with the corresponding objects in the graphical topology display. For example, if
you select an object in the browser the same object gets selected and highlighted in the viewport.

Right-click Menus
When you click right mouse button, different shortcut menus appear depending on the tab and the entity
selected in the Model Browser. The menus can be divided in three types:
n Shortcut menu: Appears, when you right-click in the free space in the Model Browser.
n Context menu for single selection: Appears, when you right-click on a single entity in the Model
Browser.
n Context menu for multiple selection: Appears, when you right-click after selecting multiple entities.
44 Adams View
Model Browser

Shortcut Menu
When you click in the free space of any tab of the Model Browser a shortcut menu appears. The options in
this menu differ in different tabs but some common functionality is described below:
n To expand all nodes in the Model Browser tree, select Expand All from the shortcut menu.
n To collapse all nodes in the Model Browser tree, select Collapse All from the shortcut menu.
n To refresh the Model Browser, select Refresh from the shortcut menu.
n To sort the objects in the Model Browser by either type or name, point to Sort Entities by on the
shortcut menu and click either Type or Name, as required.
Note that the Browse section provides only one option: Sort Entities by Name.
The options under the context menus for single and multiple selection differ depending on the current tab
(Browse, Groups, or Filters) and are discussed in the respective sections.

Browse Tab
The browse tab is the default tab. It depicts a hierarchy of all the objects in the database. It has nine top level
folders that contain the objects by type. The objects that do not fit into the first eight categories are included
in the "All Other" folder.
 Learning Basics 45
Model Browser

A drop down menu at the top of the browse tab displays currently active model. The browse tab has a quick
search box that enables you to specify search criteria and find matching objects in the database.

Modifying Objects
The Model Browser lets you modify database objects.

To modify objects:
1. Right-click on the object, and then select Modify. Based on the object type selected the relevant
Modify window appears.
2. Modify the specified values as required and click OK.

Editing Object Appearance

You can also edit object appearance here.

To edit object appearance:

1. Right-click on the object, and then select Appearance. The Edit Appearance Dialog Box appears.
2. Modify the specified values as required and click OK.
46 Adams View
Model Browser

Checking Object Information

The complete information about an object can be checked by following the instructions, given below.

To check object information:

1. Right-click on the object, and then select Info. The Information Window appears.
2. Check the information and click Close when done.

Creating Measure
The procedure of creating object measure is described below. Read About Measures for more information on
object measures.

To change object measure:

1. Right-click on the object, and then select Measure. Based on the object type selected the relevant
Measure window appears.
2. Provide the measure values and click OK.

Renaming Objects
You can rename an object in the model browser.

To rename an object via the Rename Object window:

1. Right-click on the object to rename, and then select Rename. The Rename Object window appears.
2. Type the new name of the object and click OK.

To rename an object in-line:

1. Left-click on the object to rename.
2. Move the mouse cursor slightly to somewhere else on the object name and left-click again. The object
name highlights.
3. Type over the object name with the new object name and press Enter.

Activating/ Deactivating Objects

From the Model Browser, you can deactivate objects and/or their dependents and reactivate deactivated
objects.

To activate/deactivate objects:
1. Right-click on the object to Activate/Deactivate, and then select (De)activate. The
Activate/Deactivate window appears.
2. Choose one from the following:
n To deactivate the object and its dependents, deselect the Object Active checkbox.
n To deactivate only the dependents of selected object, deselect the Object’s Dependent Active
checkbox.
 Learning Basics 47
Model Browser

n To reactivate a deactivated object and its dependents, select the Object Active checkbox.
n To reactivate the deactivated dependents of an object, select the Object’s Dependent Active
checkbox.
3. Click OK.

Hiding/Showing Objects
You can change object display preferences.

To hide an object or show a hidden object:

n Right-click on the object, and then select Show or Hide, as required.

Groups Tab
The groups tab enables you to create and manage groups in the database. Group creation and modification
is supported along with the facility to drag-drop members across groups.

Grouping Objects
The Groups tab enables you to select and group database objects based on your preferences. It is shown below.

To create a new group:

1. Right-click in the free space in Groups tab, and then select New Group. The Group Create window
appears.
48 Adams View
Model Browser

2. Provide the required information in the fields in the Group Create window, and then click OK. The
new group gets created.

Modifying Groups
The Model Browser lets you modify the object groups.

To modify groups:
1. Right-click on the group, and then select Modify. The Group Modify window appears.
2. .Modify the specified values as desired and click OK.

Removing Objects from Groups

If you want to empty a group (remove all group entities from the group) follow the instructions given below.

To empty a group:
1. Right-click on the group, and then select Empty. All the objects get removed from the group.

Sorting Groups
You can sort groups by either name or type.

To sort groups:
Right-click in the free space in Groups tab, and then point to Sort by and select Name or Type as required.
The groups will get sorted.

Quick Search
The quick search box will also be present at the bottom of the groups tab. It functions in exactly the same
way as on the Browse Tab, but only displays group names or those items present in groups.

Filters Tab
The Filters tab enables you to create and save complex searches which can update dynamically.
 Learning Basics 49
Model Browser

Filtering Objects
You can select search criteria in the filter input area located at the bottom of the browser window, and type
text in the search text field for this search.

To create a filter:
1. Right-click in the free space in Filter tab, and then select New Filter. The Filter Creation window
appears.
2. Type the name of the filter and click Add Filter. The filter gets added.
3. In the Filter text box, enter the name of the objects that you want to display. Type any wildcard that
you want to include.
4. From the pull-down menu below Filter text box, select the type of object or objects that you want to
display in the Model Browser.
5. To only display active or inactive objects, set the pull-down menu below the Filter objects to either
Active Objects or Inactive Objects.
6. Select the Dynamic check box if you want the filter to update automatically when new objects that
meet the filter specifications are added.
7. Press Enter.
50 Adams View
Model Browser

Combining Filters

You can create a new filter by combining two filters. One of the three operators: AND, OR, or NOT can be
used for combining the filters.

n AND: Creates a filter that consolidates the two filters as: F1 ∩ F 2 , only the common objects of
both filters will be in the resulting filter.
n OR: Creates a filter that consolidates the two filters as: F 1 ∪ F 2 , all objects of both filters will be
in the resulting filter.
n NOT: Creates a filter that consolidates the two filters as: F 1 – F 2 , only the objects that are in F 1
but not in F 2 , will be in the resulting filter.
 Learning Basics 51
Model Browser

Where F 1 and F 2 are the names of the filters to combine.

To combine filters:
1. Select the two filters to combine and right-click on them.
2. From the right-click menu that appears, point to Combine and select one condition from AND, OR,
or NOT, as required.
The new filter will be created, satisfying the condition selected.
The order of the filter combination is determined by the order in which the filters appear in the list from the
bottom to top. For example, if two filters A and B are selected for combination such that A appears above B
in the list, then the filter created with an AND operation between the two will be B_AND_A (and will be so
named as the default). In order to create a filter A_AND_B, the list needs to be sorted first (using the 'Sort
Filters' option from the context menu that pops up when the list is right-mouse clicked.).
The filter operations AND and OR are inherently commutative and as such the order of the filter created by
a combination of these do not matter as far as the result is concerned. For example, the filter created with the
combinations (A AND B) and (B AND A) will yield the same result. The filter combination NOT however
is not commutative and the order here can be determined by the sorting method as explained above.
52 Adams View
Model Browser