Angular Velocity/Acceleration

Angular velocity (ω) defines the speed of rotation of the entire model and the axis about which it rotates. Angular acceleration (α) is the rate of change of the model's angular velocity.

You can apply one or both to a specific point on the model using the Apply Angular Velocity and Acceleration tool.


Apply Angular Velocity and Acceleration

  1. Click the Apply Angular Velocity and Acceleration tool.


  2. Click on the model to apply angular velocity/acceleration.
  3. To apply angular velocity, select the ω checkbox and enter a value.
  4. To apply angular acceleration, select the α checkbox and enter a value.
  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Tip:
  • Angular velocity can be specified in rad/sec, rpm, or rps; angular acceleration in rad/sec2 or rev/sec2.
  • Each point where angular velocity/acceleration is applied is called a rotation in the Model Browser and is represented as a curved rotational arrow in the modeling window.
  • Rotations are specific to a load case, but are applied to all parts in an analysis or optimization. Generally, you would only have one per load case.
  • Use the right-click context menu to include or exclude angular velocity/acceleration from a load case.

Microdialog Options



Select the ω checkbox to enable angular velocity and enter a value.


Select the α checkbox to enable angular acceleration and enter a value.


Translate or rotate the rotational axis using the Move tool.


Align the rotational axis to the X, Y, or Z axis. Repeated clicks reverse the direction.


Click to orient the rotational axis by entering component vectors for x, y, and z. (For example, entering 1, 0, 0 would orient it in the positive x direction.)

Mouse Controls and Keyboard Shortcuts

Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. Exit the tool.