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Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
Model Setup
Create connections and apply loads, constraints, materials, and manufacturing controls to your model.
Center of Gravity (COG)
Use the Center of Gravity Constraint (COG) tool to apply, reposition, and set upper and lower bounds for a center of gravity constraint. COG constraints are used to limit the position of the center of gravity while running a topology optimization.

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Discover new features and enhancements.
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Start using Inspire with our interactive tutorials.
Variables
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.
Parametric Modeling
Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
Implicit Modeling
Create implicit models with primitives, lattices, point clouds, fields, offsetting, Booleans, inverting, smoothing, morphing, and filleting.
Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
- Model Setup
  Create connections and apply loads, constraints, materials, and manufacturing controls to your model.
  - Connections
    Create and define connections such as fasteners, joints, connectors, spot welds, and contacts.
  - Loads and Constraints
    Apply loads and supports, displacements, accelerations, gravity, temperatures, and center of gravity.
  - Materials and Libraries
    Create materials, assign materials to parts, and organize them into libraries.
  - Concentrated Masses
    Use the Masses tool to create a concentrated mass either on a part or at a point in space.
  - Systems
    Use the Systems tool to create and apply user-defined coordinate systems to loads, supports, and displacements.
  - Manufacturing Controls
    Apply manufacturing constraints using shape controls and bead patterns.
  - Mesh Controls
    Use mesh controls to assign an element size to parts or faces.
  - Temperatures
    Use the Temperature tool to simulate the effects of temperature changes on your model.
  - Center of Gravity (COG)
    Use the Center of Gravity Constraint (COG) tool to apply, reposition, and set upper and lower bounds for a center of gravity constraint. COG constraints are used to limit the position of the center of gravity while running a topology optimization.
  - Gravity
    Use the Gravity tool to apply gravitational acceleration (G) and adjust its direction.
- Structural Analysis
  Set up and run a linear static analysis using the SimSolid or OptiStruct solver. You can also analyze normal modes and buckling modes.
- Structural Optimization
  Set up and run a topology, topography, or gauge optimization.
- Report
  Generate PPT or PDF reports from analysis results. The Report tools are available after you have run an analysis.
Motion
Set up and run a motion analysis, plot the results, and export the results.
Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
Design Explorer
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.
Manufacture
Set up and run a basic porosity or thinning analysis.
Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
Rendering
Adjust the materials and environment of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Inspire Python API
Learn how to access the Inspire Python API including online help, quick start demos, and the Extension Manager.
Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

Center of Gravity (COG)

Use the Center of Gravity Constraint (COG) tool to apply, reposition, and set upper and lower bounds for a center of gravity constraint. COG constraints are used to limit the position of the center of gravity while running a topology optimization.

Click the satellite icon that appears when you hover over the COG tool to view a list of all center of gravity constraints in your model.

Figure 1. Car model with a center of gravity constraint

Apply a Center of Gravity Constraint

Select parts and click the Create button to create center of gravity constraints.

Open the COG tool:
1. On the Structures ribbon, next to Setup, select . A dropdown menu appears.
2. Select the COG tool.
  
  Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
Select one or more parts and click the Create button to create a center of gravity constraint.
Click the Move icon to reposition the COG constraint if needed.
Click an axis on the manipulator and select the check boxes to enable upper and lower bounds for the constraint.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Tip: To show where the true center of gravity is located, select the Measure Weight tool and then enable Show center of gravity. Hold the Ctrl key or box select multiple parts to find the center of gravity for all of the selected parts.