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Glossary
View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
Profile Functions
Motors and actuators have a profile option on the microdialog that allows you to change how the shaft moves as time elapses (or another independent variable changes).Functions is an option in the micro dialog of the Motion Analyst forces and motions entities that lets you access predefined functions from inside a Profile Editor.

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Create and assign variables to parametrize a model. This allows you to quickly iterate and compare design concepts by tweaking the values of the variables.
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Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
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Create implicit models with primitives, lattices, point clouds, fields, offsetting, Booleans, inverting, smoothing, morphing, and filleting.
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Inspire Motion provides Multibody Simulation (MBS) capabilities to analyze the motion, dynamics, and interactions of interconnected rigid or flexible bodies within a system.
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Evaluate designs by using geometric variables and applying a design-of-experiments (DOE) or optimization method. We recommend fully constraining your sketch when sketch variables are used in the design exploration.
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Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
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  - Alternative
    Alternatives are a convenient way to manage design variations within your model.
  - Assembly
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    Connection Stiffness allows for better approximation of axial and shear stiffness in grounded fasteners, grounded joints, and cylindrical supports.
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    A design space is the initial geometry that forms the boundary of the optimized shape.
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    A load case is a set of loads and supports, displacements, accelerations, and temperatures that act on a model at one time.
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    The mass moment of inertia is calculated at the part's center of mass with respect to the global axis orientation.
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  - Pretension
    Applying pretension to bolted and screwed connections allows a more complete understanding of the behavior of a structure.
  - Principal Axes
    The principal axes or global axes are the x, y, and z axes in the View Rotator.
  - Profile Functions
    Motors and actuators have a profile option on the microdialog that allows you to change how the shaft moves as time elapses (or another independent variable changes).Functions is an option in the micro dialog of the Motion Analyst forces and motions entities that lets you access predefined functions from inside a Profile Editor.
  - Property Editor
    The Property Editor shows all the properties of a selected object and allows you to edit them.
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    The Screen Capture tool saves an image or video of your model.
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    The Snaps Filter icon is located in the lower right corner of the application window. It opens the snaps menu.
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  - Suppress (Unsuppress) Entities
    Suppress and Unsuppress joints, fasteners, and motion entities in a model.
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    Use the Unit System Selector to change the display units used in the user interface. (These can be the same or different as the modeling units, which are set in the Preferences.)
  - View Controls
    The view controls are located in the lower left corner of the modeling window.
  - View Normal to Grid
    When in sketch mode, the Rotate to Closest Principal Axes icon is replaced with the View Normal to Grid icon in the view controls.
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    Use the View Rotator to achieve finer control of rotation than is possible by using the mouse.
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    Most tools on the ribbon include text prompts beneath the tool or guide bar that explain what to do next. These prompts are a form of user assistance called workflow help.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
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Profile Functions

Motors and actuators have a profile option on the microdialog that allows you to change how the shaft moves as time elapses (or another independent variable changes).Functions is an option in the micro dialog of the Motion Analyst forces and motions entities that lets you access predefined functions from inside a Profile Editor.

The following profile functions are available:

Step
Step Dwell Step
Single Wave
Oscillating
Swept Sine
Impulse
Ramp
Multi-Signal

The Profile Editor icon is located on the micro dialog for Force and Motion. The icon to the right of the Profile Editor icon is for display only and shows the current function being used.

Figure 1. Profile Editor Icon in Microdialog

Click on the icon to open the Profile Editor. The available functions can be accessed from the Function drop-down list.

Figure 2. Motors microdialog: Profile functions

Figure 3. Force or Motion Microdialog and Profile Editor

Note: You can change the parameters of a profile function using the Property Editor.

Profile Types: Examples

Learn about various profile types with example waveforms and usage notes for motion profile configuration.

Step

Step Dwell Step

Single Wave

Note: Use the time span span parameter to adjust the duration of the waveform.

Oscillating

Note: Use the time span span parameter to adjust the duration of the waveform.

Swept Sine

Impulse

Ramp

Table Profile