In Simscape Multibody, how can I model the switching of a mass between its two moving carrier belts?

I want to model a mass which is carried on a moving belt and, when reaching the end of the belt, switches to another moving belt. 1. What is the recommended way of modeling? Using Simscape or using Simulink, etc.? 2. If in Simscape Multibody, how can I do it? Are there examples of modeling the switching phenomena available?

Thanks in advance, Amin Mannani

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

This can be done using Simscape Multibody. There are multiple approaches.

One example model is available in the Simscape Multibody Contact Forces Library http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/47417-simscape-multibody-contact-forces-library

Run >> startup_Contact_Forces and then open Belts_01_Two_Belts It shows a box sliding on one conveyor belt, falling onto another belt, and then conveyed to the end.

Another approach in Simscape Multibody uses spring-dampers that can be enabled and disabled. See this blog post for an example: http://blogs.mathworks.com/simulink/2016/08/11/olympics-2016-shot-put/

Hope this helps, --Steve