Defining a Modified Trapezoid Profile

You can combine default segment types from the Function Builder to define a modified trapezoid motor or force profile.

1. From the Motor or Force PropertyManager, under Type, click Segments .
2. Select the independent variable:
   • Time
   • Cycle Angle
   The independent variable defines the horizontal axis for each function.
3. Select the function Value:
   • Displacement
   • Velocity
   • Acceleration
   For path mate motors in Motion Analysis type studies, select from the following:

   • Distance Along Path
   • Tangential Velocity
   • Tangential Acceleration
4. Select Click to add row in the segment table.
5. Determine the function period, P.
6. Define the modified sine over the period:
   1. For End X, enter P/8.
   2. Enter the Value to specify the function value at the segment end time or angle.
   3. For Segment Type, select Quarter Sine.
   4. Select Click to add row in the segment table.
   5. For End X, enter 3/8*P.
   6. For Value, enter a value greater than the value you enter in Step b.
   7. For Segment Type, select Linear.
   8. Select Click to add row in the segment table.
   9. For End X, enter 5/8*P.
   10. For Value, enter the value you enter in Step f.
   11. For Segment Type, select Half Cosine.
   12. Select Click to add row in the segment table.
   13. For End X, enter 7/8*P.
   14. For Value, enter the value you enter in Step b.
   15. For Segment Type, select Linear.
   16. For End X, enter P.
   17. For Value, enter 0.
   18. For Segment Type, select Quarter Cosine.
   
7. Click OK.
   Before clicking OK, you can select Make function available to define other motors or forces for this model and enter a function Name. The function name appears in the PropertyManager.