Visualizing and Testing Mechanisms

Hi Everyone ,

I've recently begun a search for a computer program that would allow the testing of various mechanics by visually operating the mechanism in virtual space. There are a few professional products on the market that are capable of such testing on a very professional level, Autodesk Inventor being one of them.


As you can see Inventor is a big and powerful program with so many tools and features one would be able to build a crossbow and operate it while receiving a very precise readout about any and all physical changes happening during the virtual mechanisms operation...thou this is an amazing and much wished for thing in our hobby it may not be the most accessible solution for most of us. (more videos making it look easy : Autodesk Inventor - Goofin' Off)

So...I continued my search in a more two dimensional direction and in very little time I found this game...


Then I saw this video...


Then I learned about a nice little physics software engine called Box2D and various cool programs being made with on it's platform which lead me to this video...


...and eventually the program itself...I believe there are two versions called Phun(Freeware I believe) and the other one Algodoo(Pay to play)

The search goes on and id you guys know of some nice physics enabled modeling software I'd appreciate your help.

I may be new to this, but when I came up with my crossbow design, I did it on large graph paper with 1" squares. I then made a 2D cardboard pattern of the tickler and such. I then positioned it onto the tiller pattern and moved it as if firing to see how to make any cutouts in the wood so that it fits and that I can slide it out of the tiller. Low tech and cheap. I hope this helps.

I'm with you Zardoz. CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) if a very powerful technology. You might consider upgrading to the package that includes a compass and paper fasteners as well.

Mac

I already added the compass feature. I'm now saving up for a protractor to figure out prod angle. I also have a delete feature attached to the end of my pencil.

Splendid! It sounds like you have everything you need. I've never found much use for the protractor, but a straight edge is pretty helpful.

Mac

Thanks for the heads up IVO. I haven't had a chance to play with Autodesk inventor but have heard lots of good things

Carboard Aided Design. I like it, might have to try it out at work. The simplest things can be the best. and I have plenty of cardboard around here to try things out with.