Solidworks Motion Studies and Animation — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In SolidWorks, which Motion Study type uses actual mass properties, gravity, and contact conditions to calculate physically accurate forces and displacements?
- Animation
- Basic Motion
- Motion Analysis (Correct answer)
- Explode Animation
Correct answer: Motion Analysis
Motion Analysis uses the SolidWorks Motion add-in (powered by ADAMS solver) to apply real physics — gravity, contact, springs, dampers, and motors — and computes accurate forces, velocities, and displacements that can be used in downstream analysis.
Question 2: In a SolidWorks Motion Study, which element is used to apply a rotating force that drives a mechanism at a specified angular velocity?
- Linear Spring
- Rotary Motor (Correct answer)
- Force/Torque load
- Gravity
Correct answer: Rotary Motor
A Rotary Motor in a Motion Study applies a rotational driver to a component face or edge, controlling it by constant RPM, oscillating, or expression-based velocity — simulating an actual motor driving a mechanism.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'Key Point' (diamond icon) on the SolidWorks Motion Study timeline?
- It marks locations where simulation results should be exported
- It defines the position, orientation, or visibility state of a component at a specific time (Correct answer)
- It sets the mesh refinement level for that instant in the simulation
- It marks where mates are temporarily suppressed during animation
Correct answer: It defines the position, orientation, or visibility state of a component at a specific time
Key points on the Motion Study timeline define the state (position, orientation, display state, etc.) of a component at a specific moment. SolidWorks interpolates between key points to create smooth transitions during playback or export.
Question 4: In the SolidWorks 'Basic Motion' study type, which physical effect is available that is NOT available in the 'Animation' study type?
- Visibility toggle for components
- Explode/Collapse sequences
- Gravity and component contact (Correct answer)
- Camera path animation
Correct answer: Gravity and component contact
Basic Motion adds a simplified physics layer over Animation, allowing gravity, springs, and solid-body contact to drive component motion. Animation only moves components by manually defined key points and motor speeds, with no physical interaction simulation.
Question 5: After running a Motion Analysis in SolidWorks, where do you go to plot a graph of a joint reaction force over time?
- Simulation > Results Advisor
- Motion Study Results > Create New Plot (Correct answer)
- Tools > Evaluate > Mass Properties
- FeatureManager > Motion Study Folder
Correct answer: Motion Study Results > Create New Plot
After a Motion Analysis run, the Results section of the MotionManager allows you to create new result plots (force, velocity, acceleration, torque, etc.) as time-history graphs directly within the motion study environment.
Question 6: Which file format does SolidWorks use to export a Motion Study animation for playback outside of SolidWorks?
- .eDrawings (.eprt)
- Video file (.avi or .mp4) (Correct answer)
- STEP animation (.step)
- SolidWorks Pack and Go (.zip)
Correct answer: Video file (.avi or .mp4)
SolidWorks Motion Studies can be saved to a video file (AVI or MP4) using the Save Animation function. This allows the animation to be shared and played back on any device without SolidWorks installed.
