How do I model a mechanical hard-stop using Simscape Multibody?

I'm trying to model a hard stop mechanism for a Simscape Multibody model which I've imported from a CAD assembly. I tried to use the 'Translational Hard-Stop' block from 'Simscape' but I'm not able to interface this block with Simscape Multibody. 

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

You can use the MultiPhysics Library to model the hard stop in the piston. To be able to use to use the Multiphysics library, and design hard stops, you would need to set the following diagnostic in the Model configuration Parameters to 'none':

Simscape Multibody->Diagnostics->Rigidly constrained block 

You can use a "Translation Multiphysics Interface block" to interface Simscape Multibody with Simscape Fundamental blocks. Then you would need to tune the parameters in the Translational Hard Stop block as per your requirements.

You might also find the example "Joint Limits and Friction Methods in a Hinge" from the Multiphysics library helpful in modeling hard-stops:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/37636-simscape-multibody-multiphysics-library

Please also check this example here, which shows how to interface Simscape Mechanical and Simscape Multibody blocks:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/sm/ug/hydraulic-interface-dump-trailer-with-hydraulic-cylinder.html

Open this example in MATLAB and go to the following subsystem:

sm_dump_trailer/Dump Trailer/Scissor Hoist/Hydraulic Cylinder Assembly/Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinder/Mechanical System