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Multibody Modeling
MotionView is a general pre-processor for Multibody Dynamics.
MotionView Overview
MotionView is a general pre-processor for Multibody Dynamics.

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Import an aeroelastic finite element model with Nastran Bulk Data format.
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HyperGraph is a data analysis and plotting tool with interfaces to many file formats.
Multibody Modeling
MotionView is a general pre-processor for Multibody Dynamics.
- MotionView Overview
  MotionView is a general pre-processor for Multibody Dynamics.
  - End User Workflow
    A multibody system study generally involves the following broad steps. The following sections give a brief introduction on using MotionView and the related products to conduct such a study:
  - Model File Management
    Open and save model files, import/export models, and import/export a solver deck.
  - Model Entities
    Learn more about MotionView model entities.
  - Container Entities
    MotionView supports and encourages a modular model building approach. Different entities can be aggregated into containers, thereby arranging a model into a collection of different assemblies or sub-systems.
  - Collectors
    A collector is a yellow button on a panel that enables you to select an entity type either graphically or from the topics/motionview/collectors_select_entity_dialog_r.html.
  - Data Entry
    Explore data entry in MotionView.
  - Use the Expression Builder
    The expression builder allows you to enter expressions in text boxes without extensive typing and memorization. It can be used to construct mathematical expressions that are a function of the model parameters.
  - SolverMode
    MotionView contains an implicit variable called SolverMode. In MDL, SolverMode can be used in an "if" context to define topology (include Templex templates). MotionView retains the "if" result for both cases so that when you toggle the solver type, the associated text becomes active within the user interface.
  - Select an "Entity" Dialog
    The Select an "Entity" dialog allows you to change the entity in a collector.
  - MotionView in Batch Mode
    Batch mode allows you to generate a solver input model file from an MDL model file and run the solver job without starting the MotionView user interface.
  - Export Data
    The Export Data dialog allows you to export your data to an Excel or text file.
  - Data Summary
    The Data Summary dialog displays model data in a table that can be edited.
  - Methods of Orientation
    Coordinate systems in MotionView can be oriented using a variety of methods.
  - Implicit Graphics
    Implicit graphics can be displayed for all applicable entities, allowing you to visualize their location and orientation.
  - Check Model
    Check Model searches for unresolved references and invalid data in the model. If errors in the model are detected, it is reported in the message window that is displayed when the check is completed.
  - Create Deformable Surfaces from FEM
    The Create Deformable Surface From FEM macro enables you to quickly create a matrix of explicit markers to be used in defining a deformable surface.
  - MotionView Panels/Tools
    Explore the various panels and tools in MotionView.
  - Command Sets
    The Command Sets panel allows you to edit command sets for the solver-command file. The command sets for a model are order dependent, since they define the contents of the solver command file.
  - Forms
    Use the Forms tool to edit general data entry forms.
- Model Browser
  The Model Browser allows you to view the MotionView model structure while providing display and editing control of entities.
- MotionView Ribbons
  The MotionView ribbons allows you to quickly access tools and standard functions, and is located along the top of MotionView.
- MotionView CAD Interfacing
  MotionView supports the importing of several types of CAD and FE formats.
- Flexible Bodies
  MotionView has many pre-processing and post-processing capabilities with regards to flexible bodies, or flexbodies, for multibody dynamics models.
- Functional Mockup Unit (FMU)
  Add an FMU to the model or export a model as an FMU.
- Vehicle Modeling
  Explore the various vehicle modeling tools.
- Tcl/Tk Reference Guide
  Reference material for the scripting interface which is a set of Tcl/Tk commands.
- MDL Reference Guide
  Reference materials for the MotionView MDL Language, Tire Modeling, and the MDL Library.
- MotionSolve Reference Guide
  Reference material detailing command statements, model statements, functions and the Subroutine Interface available in MotionSolve.
- Templex and Math Reference Guide
  Reference material for Templex (a general purpose text and numeric processor) and additional mathematical functions and operators.
- MotionView Python Reference Guide
  Reference materials for the MotionView Python Language.
Media Files
MediaView plays video files, displays static images, tracks objects, and measures distances.
Tabulate Results
Use TableView to create an Excel-like spreadsheet.
Text Files
TextView math scripts reference vector data from HyperGraph windows to automate data processing and data summary.
Publishing and Reporting
Create, define, and export reports.
Collaboration Tools
Explore, organize and manage your personal data, collaborate in teams, and connect to other data sources, such as corporate PLM systems to access CAD data or publish simulation data.

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MotionView Overview

MotionView is a general pre-processor for Multibody Dynamics.

MotionView is a Multibody Dynamics modeling client. Coupled with Altair’s native, state of the art multibody solver MotionSolve, MotionView offers an end to end solutions for mechanical system simulations, right from model set up to result viewing and optimization.

MotionView has following salient features and functionalities:

Flexible, intuitive, and easy to use graphical interface
Unlimited level of hierarchy
Object oriented Parametric modeling environment
Set up multiple events
Reading of diverse CAD formats
Offers a vast range of modeling elements supported by the solver
Many tools to assist with model building, such as CG/Inertia summary, Load Export, Data Summary, and more
Highly customizable through its native language, MDL, as well as other known languages like Tcl and Python
Ready to use automotive libraries and track modeler
Multi-Disciplinary tools
System optimization using MotionSolve or HyperStudy
Coupling with EDEM for bulk material modeling and simulation
Export to ADAMS
Functional Mock-up Interface support

Getting Started

Note: See Start Applications for more information on launching applications on Windows and Linux.

Tip: From other clients:

Select MotionView from the client pull-down menu.
Figure 1.

OR
Select MotionView using the client selector in the modeling window.
Figure 2.

User Interface

The user interface provides you with a consistent look and feel when you are working in MotionView or any of the applications.

Figure 3.

The interface has the following key components:

Ribbon Tabs
Ribbon Icons
Browser
Property Editor
View Toolbar
Panels