Modeling Dynamic Behavior of Parts in Virtual Assembly Environment

Physically-based behavior of parts and subassemblies provides the user with realistic virtual assembly planning environment. Parts’ mating is an important phase of the assembly operation. It determines the feasibility of the operation and affects the assembly sequence generated from the interaction with virtual parts. Haptic sensation of forces generated by the contacts between parts, during the mating phase, is a perception cue which assists the operator in locating the parts in their final assembly positions and orientations [1]. The research work reported in this paper focuses on modeling the dynamic behavior of mechanical parts during the execution of virtual assembly operation. The concept of spring-damper model was adopted to preclude the interpenetration of parts during the mating phase. The concept of “visual dynamic behavior” representing the manipulation of real parts was developed. More investigations are required to extend this concept to include the manipulation of subassemblies.