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.
Solidworks Motion Studies and Animation
In SolidWorks, which Motion Study type uses actual mass properties, gravity, and contact conditions to calculate physically accurate forces and displacements?