Can AutoCAD accurately determine the center of gravity for my vehicle design?

AI Thread Summary
AutoCAD can help determine the center of gravity (CG) for vehicle designs if all parts, dimensions, and masses are accurately modeled. The method involves creating a 2D representation, using the REGION command, and then applying the MASSPROP command to find the centroid. However, the accuracy of the CG calculation depends on the completeness of the CAD model, as missing small components can lead to significant mass underestimation and affect the CG position. Testing the method with a physical model, like cardboard, can validate the results. Overall, while AutoCAD provides a useful tool for CG determination, attention to detail in the model is crucial for accuracy.
RJ2012
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
HELLO

Can someone help me locate the center of gravity for my vehicle design? all the parts, dimensions and mass of the parts of the design are known. Is it possible to locate for the COG of it? Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
RJ2012 said:
HELLO

Can someone help me locate the center of gravity for my vehicle design? all the parts, dimensions and mass of the parts of the design are known. Is it possible to locate for the COG of it? Thanks!

The way I always did it in 2D was draw it, REGION it and MASSPROP it. From the massprop, you can drag the figure by the centroid to (0,0).
 
Hello! Is your method accurate? :) Does the result agree with the calculate/ theoretical ( if there's any) center of gravity? thanks buddy!
 
It will be as accurate as your CAD model. Most CAD models give a significant underestimate of the total mass of the object, because they don't contain all the "little" components like nuts and bolts that hold the real structure together, the mass of surface finishes like paint, manufacturing tolerances that produce oversized parts, etc.

That type of thing can easily contribute a few percent to the total mass of the real object, and obviously it can change the CG position as well.
 
Hello AlephZero! thanks for the reply! Do you know a firm (online ) who do modelling and do stuff in AutoCAD, or can you suggest me some readings/ related lit about center of gravity. I keep on looking and looking for different materials for this topic, thank you!
 
RJ2012 said:
Hello! Is your method accurate? :) Does the result agree with the calculate/ theoretical ( if there's any) center of gravity? thanks buddy!

In 2D, it's more accurate than you'll ever need. Try it out with an oddly shaped piece of cardboard or thin plywood (something with constant thickness). You should be able to balance the cardboard or plywood on a nail at the centroid AutoCAD gives you.
 
Hi all, I have a question. So from the derivation of the Isentropic process relationship PV^gamma = constant, there is a step dW = PdV, which can only be said for quasi-equilibrium (or reversible) processes. As such I believe PV^gamma = constant (and the family of equations) should not be applicable to just adiabatic processes? Ie, it should be applicable only for adiabatic + reversible = isentropic processes? However, I've seen couple of online notes/books, and...
Thread 'How can I find the cleanout for my building drain?'
I am a long distance truck driver, but I recently completed a plumbing program with Stratford Career Institute. In the chapter of my textbook Repairing DWV Systems, the author says that if there is a clog in the building drain, one can clear out the clog by using a snake augur or maybe some other type of tool into the cleanout for the building drain. The author said that the cleanout for the building drain is usually near the stack. I live in a duplex townhouse. Just out of curiosity, I...
I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...

Similar threads

Back
Top