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. |