Model FixedShape2 defines a visual shape that is
shown at the location of its frame_a. This model is identical
to FixedShape with the only difference that an
additional frame_b is present which is parallel to frame_a.
This makes it more convenient to connect several visual
shapes together when building up more complex visual
objects. All describing data such as size and color can vary dynamically by
providing appropriate expressions in the input fields of the
parameter menu. The only exception is parameter shapeType
that cannot be changed during simulation.
The following shapes are currently supported via
parameter shapeType (e.g., shapeType="box"):
The dark blue arrows in the figure above are directed along
variable lengthDirection. The light blue arrows are directed
along variable widthDirection. The coordinate systems
in the figure represent frame_a of the FixedShape component.
Additionally external shapes are specified as DXF-files
(only 3-dim.Face is supported). External shapes must be named "1", "2"
etc.. The corresponding definitions should be in files "1.dxf",
"2.dxf" etc.Since the DXF-files contain color and dimensions for
the individual faces, the corresponding information in the model
is currently ignored. The DXF-files must be found in the current directory.
The sizes of any of the above components are specified by the
length, width and height variables.
Via variable extra additional data can be defined:
| shapeType | Meaning of parameter extra |
| "cylinder" |
if extra > 0, a black line is included in the
cylinder to show the rotation of it. |
| "cone" |
extra = diameter-left-side / diameter-right-side, i.e.,
extra = 1: cylinder
extra = 0: "real" cone. |
| "pipe" |
extra = outer-diameter / inner-diameter, i.e,
extra = 1: cylinder that is completely hollow
extra = 0: cylinder without a hole. |
| "gearwheel" |
extra is the number of teeth of the gear. |
| "spring" |
extra is the number of windings of the spring.
Additionally, "height" is not the "height" but
2*coil-width. |
Parameter color is a vector with 3 elements,
{r, g, b}, and specifies the color of the shape.
{r,g,b} are the "red", "green" and "blue" color parts.
Note, r g, b are given as Integer[3] in the ranges 0 .. 255,
respectively. The predefined type
MultiBody.Types.Color contains a temporary menu
definition of the colors used in the MultiBody library
(this will be replaced by a color editor).
In the following figure the relationships between
frame_a and frame_b are shown. The origin of frame_b
with respect to frame_a is specified via parameter
vector r.