DMU Fitting Simulator

Student Notes:

CATIA/ENOVIA Training
Foils

Digital Mock-Up
Fitting Simulator
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Version 5 Release 17
September 2006
EDU-DMU-EN-FIT-FF-V5R17

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DMU Fitting Simulator

Student Notes:

Objectives of the course

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Understand the general process of fitting simulation.
- Define shuttles and groups.
- Create tracks to move components or a group of components.
- Define the order in which the tracks and actions will take place.
- Find the time duration for each track and action.
- Perform clash analysis during sequence and tracks simulation.

Targeted audience
Designers (P2 users only)

Prerequisites
DMU Basics, DMU Space Analysis 0.5 Days
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Student Notes:
Table of Contents (1/2)

Introduction 5
What is a Fitting Simulation? 6
When Do We Need a Fitting Simulation 7
Capabilities of DMU Fitting Simulator Workbench 8
General Process in Fitting Simulator Workbench 9
Defining Shuttle 10
What is a Shuttle? 11
How to Create a Shuttle 12
How to Move the Shuttle 14
How to Use the Smart Target Tool 15
Defining Tracks 18
Introduction to Tracks 19
Track Editor and Recorder 22
Other Track Capabilities 31
Creating Sequences 35
About Sequence 36
How to Create a Sequence 37
How to Play a Sequence 38
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Student Notes:
Table of Contents (2/2)

More About the Edit Sequence Panel 39

The "Gantt Chart" Window 40
How to Perform an Experiment 41
How to Browse an Experiment 43
Performing Clash Analysis 44
Clash and Band Analysis 45
Verbose Mode for Analysis 46
Other Helpful Tools 47
Finding Path Automatically 48
Smoothing Path 49
Swept Volume 50
Exploding an Assembly 51
Generating Video Files 52
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Student Notes:

Introduction
In this introductory chapter, you will learn the concept of ‘Fitting Simulation’.
You will also appreciate the capabilities of ‘DMU Fitting Simulator’ workbench.
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Student Notes:
What is a Fitting Simulation?

A fitting simulation is the simulation of components’ motions involved in assembly or

disassembly.

A fitting simulation demonstrates the physical path in space along which the components
move to form an assembly.

Assembly 3

2
4
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Disassembly

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Student Notes:
When Do We Need a Fitting Simulation

We need a ‘Fitting Simulation’:

To define the sequence and method of the assembly or disassembly to
demonstrate the procedure of the same.

1
4

To validate the assembly design from the point of view of feasibility and convenience of
assembling and disassembling.

th
Pa

Wi
th o
ut
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Clash
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Student Notes:
Capabilities of DMU Fitting Simulator Workbench

Using the DMU Fitting Simulator Workbench you can define optimized clash free
paths for the assembly formation.

Top_Part
Top_Part
Part_2
Part_3
Part_2

Base_Part Base_Part
DMU Fittings
Part_1 Part_3
Bottom_Part
Part_1

Bottom_Part
With the help of the DMU Fittings workbench, you can:
Define path for the motion of components during assembly or disassembly.
Perform various distance and clash analysis during the creation of the paths.
Find the path automatically for the removal of components.
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Student Notes:
General Process in Fitting Simulator Workbench
1
Defining Shuttle

2
Defining / Editing
Tracks
3
Creating and
Simulating Sequences
3
1

4
2 Performing ‘Clash’ and
other analysis
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Student Notes:

Defining Shuttle
You will learn the concept of ‘Shuttle’ in context of DMU Fitting Workbench.
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Student Notes:
What is a Shuttle?

Shuttle is group of components that you want to move together.

1
4

2
3
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How to Create a Shuttle ( 1/2 ) Student Notes:

1 Select / Multi-select the components in the

specification tree or in the graphics area.

2 Click the ‘Shuttle’ tool.

In the ‘Edit Shuttle’ panel, (optionally) specify the reference product and/or
3
angle of ‘Tilt’ and click OK.

Angle
Vector
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By specifying the angle limitation, you can avoid the components from getting tilted ( above
specified limit ) during their motion about the specified axis.

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How to Create a Shuttle ( 2/2 ) Student Notes:

4 Click OK to the ‘Edit Shuttle’ panel.

The Shuttle will get created in the ‘Applications’ node

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How to Move the Shuttle Student Notes:

1 Double-click the ‘Shuttle’ in the specification tree

The compass would automatically get

snapped to the corresponding ‘Shuttle’

Manipulate the Shuttle using the

2
compass as usual

After manipulation, click OK to the

3
‘Edit Shuttle’ panel.
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How to Use the ‘Smart Target’ Tool ( 1/3 ) Student Notes:

Sometimes after moving the Shuttle, it may be required to reposition the Shuttle.
In such cases, you can use the ‘Smart Target’ tool to snap or position the Shuttle
using geometric elements like line, axis and plane.

1 Double-click the Shuttle to activate it.

The ‘Edit Shuttle’ panel will be displayed

2 Click the ‘Smart Target’ tool.

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The Smart Target tool is very much similar to the Cumulative Snap
tool in DMU Navigator and Assembly Design workbench.

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How to Use the ‘Smart Target’ Tool ( 2/3 ) Student Notes:

3 Select the geometry (axis here) of 4 Select the geometry (axis here) of other
the Shuttle component. component where you want to position the axis

Result after Step 4

Now after the first transformation, select the required geometry (plane) of the Shuttle component followed
5
by plane of the component where you want to position the Shuttle.
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Result after Step 5

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How to Use the ‘Smart Target’ Tool ( 3/3 ) Student Notes:

After the transformation of Shuttle, click on the Smart Target tool to deactivate it and click
5
OK to the ‘Edit Shuttle’ panel.
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Student Notes:

Defining Tracks
In this lesson you will learn to create and edit tracks.

You will also see the following sub topics

Introduction to Tracks in Fitting Simulator
Track Editor and Recorder
Other track capabilities
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Student Notes:

Introduction to Tracks
You will learn to create and edit ‘Tracks’ for moving the ‘Shuttles’ and
components.
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Student Notes:
About Track
A track is path in space along which you can move the components or Shuttles.

A track can be used to demonstrate mounting or dismounting of a component in an

assembly.

Track

A track here in DMU Fitting, works in almost similar way like in DMU Navigator
In Navigator you use Tracks essentially for Cameras for recording a Simulation
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In Fitting you use Tracks for moving components and Shuttles

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Student Notes:
General Process for Creating a Track
1
Select the object (product or shuttle)
and choose the ‘Interpolator’.

4
Define time duration of
each segment. 3 2
Modify the
Record new position
components’
in the track.
position.

5
Make the final Modifications:
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Erase positions, Modify

positions, reuse shots…

6
Play your track to check it

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Student Notes:

Track Editor and Recorder

You will learn to create and edit tracks using the Track Editor and Recorder.
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How to create a ‘Track’ (1/3) Student Notes:

Click the ‘Track’ tool

1

2 Select the required inputs in the ‘Track’ panel.

On selecting the Object, the compass

automatically gets snapped to the Object

2a Select the ‘Object’. (The component or set of component that you want to move)
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2b Select the ‘Interpolator’. (The way you want to move the components)

2c Select the ‘Time’ mode (Defines the total time of the track) OR the
‘Speed mode’ (Defines the speed of motion of the components)

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How to create a ‘Track’ (2/3) Student Notes:

You can change the default values of Time and Speed from the Tools > Options menu.

3 Use the compass to move the object and use the ‘Record(Insert) tool to record new
points for ‘Track’
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4 Click OK to the ‘Track’ panel after recording all the points for the ‘Track’.

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How to create a ‘Track’ (3/3) Student Notes:

If you want, you can switch on the clash detection for checking clashes when you
move the Shuttle or components. Please see “Performing Clash Analysis” chapter for
details.
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Student Notes:
Editing a Track Object
You can edit a shuttle directly from the Track creation panel.

When you are using a shuttle as the Track object you can open the Shuttle definition
dialog box by clicking on the Edit button.
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Student Notes:
Reordering the Shots Within a Track
Once you have defined a track, you can modify the order of the shots of tracks.

The “Reorder” tool is available in the “Recorder” toolbar.

The Up / Down buttons allow you to change the order of the currently
selected shot within the shot list.

This button insert button will more the currently selected Shot before the
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Shot you select next.

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Student Notes:
Reusing Shots from Other Tracks
While creating or editing a track, you can reuse some existing shots from other
tracks for your new track.

3
1
4 2

If the Track path of one Shuttle is partially similar to the other, you can use this tool and
use some of the shots of an existing track.

3 1
4 2 1
3 2
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How to ‘Reuse Shots’ from other Tracks ( 1/2 ) Student Notes:

Use the Track tool to create a new track and select the
1 required inputs for Track creation.

2 Click the ‘Reuse Shot’ tool

3 Select the Track from which you want to reuse the Shots
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The ‘Reuse Shots’ panel will appear

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How to ‘Reuse Shots’ from other Tracks ( 2/2 ) Student Notes:

Select the Shots from the panel and use the

4 Record(Insert) tools to reuse the existing shots.

Shot 2 of the existing track being

reused here

5 Repeat Step Number 4 if required and click the ‘Done’

button to complete the reusing of shots. 3 1
4 2 1
3 2

Further you can continue your track creation

and divert the new track as per requirement.
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Student Notes:

Other Track Capabilities

You will learn the miscellaneous tools related to ‘Tracks’
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Student Notes:
Updating the initial position of the Track

The “Update Position” tool allows you to move / transform the whole track to the
current position of the component.

A track is defined
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Playing the track moves the Part Updating the position moves the whole track
towards the Part

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Student Notes:
Defining Time Duration of each Track Segment

You can change time duration of every part of the track.

3
1
4
2

Clicking on ‘More’ button will expand the Track panel.

You can drag the vertical bar to manipulate the time 1 2 3 4

between the two shots.
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You can also specify the time for each segment in the
‘Shot Time:’ edit box in the Track Panel

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Student Notes:
Exporting / Importing Tracks
You can import and export the Tracks in neutral non CATIA file formats.

Exporting Tracks:
A Track can be exported in the ‘XML’, ‘Model’ and text format.
In XML format, the result is the time and the position matrix at each shot.
In ‘Model’ format it creates an axis system at each shot position.

Select the Track

Importing Tracks:
You can import the tracks from XML or RZML format.
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Student Notes:

Creating Sequences
You will learn to create ‘Sequence’ from Tracks and play them
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Student Notes:
About Sequence

A Sequence is an order of tracks and other actions.

You can arrange Tracks and Actions in Sequence to demonstrate a multi-track
mounting or dismounting

3 2

Sequence Editor allows you to manage actions in parallel and series.

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How to create a Sequence Student Notes:

1 Click the ‘Edit Sequence’ tool

2 In the ‘Edit Sequence’ panel, select the required ‘Actions in session’ and include
them into ‘Action in Sequence’ using the green arrow keys
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How to Play a Sequence Student Notes:

Double-click the ‘Sequence’ in the

1 specification tree.

The ‘Edit Sequence’ panel will appear

2 Keeping the ‘Edit Sequence’ panel open, play the Sequence.

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The actions will be played as per the sequence

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Student Notes:
More About the ‘Edit Sequence’ Panel

‘Merge Up’ merges the selected action

with the action above it. Merge down
does the opposite.

The actions that are merged are

played simultaneously. ( In parallel )

Action delay applied to any action

creates a time gap before before the
action.

‘Move Up’ moves the selected action,

one step upwards. ‘Move down’ does
the opposite.
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Highlights the current simulated

action when the simulation is played.

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Student Notes:
The ‘Gantt Chart’ Window
‘Gantt Chart’ provides a fast and easy way to edit, transform and manipulate the actions in
a sequence.

You can modify the step’s time duration by dragging its tail in the Gantt chart.
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You can also move the actions by dragging.

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How to Perform an Experiment ( 1/2 ) Student Notes:

You can observe any parameter like ‘Measure’ etc at any position of the simulation using the
‘Perform Experiment’ tool.

1 Click the ‘Perform Experiment’ tool and select

any Sequence / Track from the specification tree.

In the ‘Edit Experiment’ panel, specify the sensor ( that is the parameter ) that you want to be observed
2
during the simulation and click ‘Apply’ button.

A ‘Save As’ panel will appear.

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How to Perform an Experiment ( 2/2 ) Student Notes:

3 Save the file in text or .xls format to generate a report.

An ‘Experiment’ is created in the specification tree.

The .xls or text file is linked to the corresponding ‘Experiment. The saved files
gives the values of the observed parameter with respect to time.
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How to Browse an Experiment Student Notes:

After performing the ‘Experiment’ you can browse the experiment results and find the
values of the parameters at any desired position of the simulation. You can also plot
graphs of the desired parameters.

1 Double-click the ‘Experiment’ in the

specification tree.

2 Select the sensors whose value you

want to be displayed.

3 Drag the time slider OR enter the value

of time in the ‘Time:’ edit box.
The corresponding values of the 2
sensors are displayed.

4 You can plot the graphs of the various

sensors using the ‘Plot Sensors’ button.
3
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Student Notes:

Performing Clash Analysis

You will learn different modes and methods of ‘Clash Analysis’ in DMU fittings
workbench.
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Student Notes:
Clash and Band Analysis

You can perform various analysis like Clash, Band or Distance Analysis when a
simulation is being played.
You have to specify the analysis that you want to be observed when the Simulation
is being played.

You can Set the ‘Interference’ to

‘Stop’ mode
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In the ‘Edit Analysis’ tab of the ‘Edit Sequence’ panel, you can select ‘Analyses in
session’ and include them for ‘Analysis in Sequence’ to observe them.

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Student Notes:
Verbose Mode for Analysis

Verbose is a mode of Analysis that you can activate while playing tracks under
DMU Fitting.

If this mode is activated, it will display results in the “Interference Window” regarding
information of the analysis object that is currently activated.

In the example, the yellow spring is involved in a

track. Band Analysis and interferences detections are
defined for this spring and the blue metallic part.
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You can edit (double-click) the analysis

information : the “Edit Distance and Band
Analysis” dialog will be displayed for that
particular time in the simulation

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Student Notes:

Other Helpful Tools

You will learn some other helpful tools for some DMU Fittings Simulator tasks.
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Student Notes:
Finding the Path Automatically
You can find a path automatically to mount / un-mount an object without any clash.

Initial Track which may contain Path without clash found by the
clashes Automatic Path Finder

If you have a track or a simulation with some clash in it, using the ‘Automatic Path Finder’ you
can find a path without clash.
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Note that the ‘Automatic Path Finder’ will find a clash free path only if it is geometrically possible in
space. Otherwise CATIA will flash a message “ No way out”

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Student Notes:
Smoothing a Path

After using the Automatic Path Finder or the creation of a complex simulation
path, you can simplify the path using the ‘Smooth’ command.

Initial ‘rough’ path found by

Automatic Path Finder Smooth path created by the
‘Smooth’ command
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If you check the above option, the smoothing of path automatically takes place during the path finding.

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Student Notes:
Swept Volume

Swept volume is the volume that a part occupies in course of its motion.
In DMU Fitting Simulator, you can find the swept volume occupied by the parts during their
motion along a Track.
CGR

Save and Insert

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This swept volume can be used for distance and band analysis.
Some critical measures also can be made on the CGR file of the Swept volume.

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Student Notes:
Exploding the Assembly
Explode will help you to quickly separate components from each other

If “Generate Sequence”is checked, sequence and its tracks are created

automatically and displayed in the specification tree.
Products to be
exploded

Depth :
•‘One Level’
•‘All Levels’ Fixed
Product

To navigate through
The Type of Explode Explode by dragging
(‘3D’, ‘projection’, ’constrained’)

You can keep the exploded view when

you exit the explode command
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The elements are The Elements are laid The constraints

moved in the 3D on a common plane are respected

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Student Notes:
Generating Video Files
You can directly create an AVI file from a Track or a Sequence

Select the Track or Sequence from which you want to

1 create a video.

From the menu select Tools > Simulation >

2 Generate Video.

Optional: Customize the settings for video

3 generation.
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4 Choose a name and a location for the video file.

5 Click OK to generate the video file.

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Student Notes:
To Sum Up

In this Course, you have seen the use of DMU Fitting Simulator workbench for
defining the assembling and disassembling processes:

You have learned to -

Define Shuttles and Tracks.

Create Sequences from the Tracks.
Perform Clash analysis when a Sequence is being played.
Use specific tool of the DMU Fitting workbench.
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