import multiple step files into simscape

I'm new to simscape. We have independently created CAD parts that we'd like to model their interactions in Simscape. We've imported each STEP file but are running into a problem. The interaction works fine if we don't have gravity on. When we add gravity to the model a few parts fall through the main structure. To infinity and beyond it seems. I did not perform the import so I'm not sure exactly how it was accomplished. I do know they original parts came from Inventor.

So even though visually there are constraints we don't seem to have them in the model. The simscape documentation only shows importing a full assembly of parts.

What do we need to do to add the surface constraints to the step file blocks so they don't interset each other.

thank you,

Kim Sommer

[Nitish Jha]

Hey hii,,

I too want to model CAD parts interaction in Simscape. Could you please help me with that ? any document,, video link which explains how to do CAD interaction in matlab...Please do let me know .

Answer 1

[Juan Sagarduy]

Hi there Kim

You shall export the geometry in the File Solid blocks and then use Spatial Force Contact blocks between solids. Then, the contact is detected.

But the bodies are approximated as Convex Hulls (https://www.mathworks.com/help/physmod/sm/ref/filesolid.html?s_tid=srchtitle) which limits the exactness of the contact.

Good luck / Juan