Models - Physics Subtab

You can apply physical properties to objects (models, groups, and parts) to prepare them for simulations.

Simulation Type

Lists the available types of simulations you can specify for the selected object.
None The object is not included in the simulation.
Static The object cannot move but can be collided with.
Dynamic The object can move and its motion is determined by the simulation.
Vehicle (Available when a model is selected.) The object represents a vehicle.

Click Vehicle Wizard to prepare the vehicle for simple turning and dynamic driving simulations by specifying which parts to use as wheels and calipers. Wheels are parts that spin and steer. Calipers are parts that steer but do not spin.

Collider Geometry

Available for Static and Dynamic simulations.

Bounding Box Provides less accurate but faster simulation results.
Mesh Provides more accurate but slower simulation results.

Physical Properties

Available for Static and Dynamic simulations.

Static Friction The force that keeps an object at rest and that must be overcome to start moving the object.
Dynamic Friction A force that acts between moving surfaces and that is required to keep an object in motion.
Elasticity The bounciness of the surface. A value of zero does not bounce; a value of 1 bounces without any loss of energy.
Mass (kg) (Available only for Dynamic simulations.) The mass of the object in kilograms.

Driving Behavior

Available for Vehicle simulations.

Controller Lets you control the driving behavior with a gamepad or the keyboard.
For the keyboard, the default key assignments are:
Key Action
W Throttle
S Brake/Reverse
A Steer Left
D Steer Right
Q Brake
E Handbrake
You can edit the key assignments in Keyboard Shortcuts.
Straight Moves the vehicle along a straight line.
Turn Moves the vehicle in a circle.
Path Moves the vehicle along a path that you define. Create waypoints under Path Properties on the Physics subtab.

Vehicle Setup

Available for Vehicle simulations.

Vehicle Type Initializes the Vehicle Setup properties based on the type of vehicle you select:
  • Custom
  • Sports Car
  • Compact
  • Intermediate
  • Small SUV
  • Large SUV
  • Van
  • Pickup
Mass (kg) (Available only for Dynamic simulations.) The mass of the object in kilograms.
Acceleration Specifies the maximum rate of increase in speed of the vehicle, in meters per second squared (m/s2).
Peak Torque (Nm) Specifies the maximum torque available from the engine, in newton-meters (Nm).
Maximum RPM (r/min) Specifies the maximum rotational speed of the engine, in revolutions per minute (r/min).
Drive Wheels Specifies the wheels that are powered by the engine. Select Front, Rear, or All.
Brake Wheels Specifies the wheels that provide braking ability. Select Front, Rear, or All.
Steer Wheels Specifies the wheels that provide steering ability. Select Front, Rear, or All.

Advanced Properties

Available for Vehicle simulations.

Maximum Steer Angle (degrees) The angle of the wheel in degrees when the steering wheel is at full lock.
Wheel Friction The friction between the wheels and the ground. A value of 0 indicates low friction; a value of 1 is the highest possible friction value.
Wheel Damping Rate Describes the rate at which a freely spinning wheel loses rotational speed. A value of 0 represents the lowest damping rate; a value of 1 is the highest rate.
Front Wheels Gap (m) The gap between the front wheels and the chassis, in meters.
Rear Wheels Gap (m) The gap between the rear wheels and the chassis, in meters.
Maximum Compression (m) The maximum compression distance (in meters) that the spring can support.
Maximum Droop (m) The maximum droop distance (in meters) that the spring can support.
Front Camber Angle (degrees) The angle between the front wheels and the vertical axis.
Rear Camber Angle (degrees) The angle between the rear wheels and the vertical axis.

Simulation Manager

Available for Static, Dynamic, and Vehicle simulations.

Show Simulation Manager Displays a dialog to manage global simulation properties.