4. Running the Simulation (Control Design and Simulation Module)

You now can run this simulation to test that the data is flowing properly through the Simulation functions. Complete the following steps to run this simulation.

1. Select Window»Show Front Panel, or press <Ctrl-E>, to view the front panel of this simulation. The front panel displays the following objects: a control labeled Force, a control labeled Mass, a waveform chart labeled Velocity, and a waveform chart labeled Position.
2. If necessary, rearrange these controls and indicators so that all objects are visible.
3. Enter -9.8 in the Force numeric control. This value represents the force of gravity, 9.8 meters per second squared, acting on the dynamic system.
4. Enter 1 in the Mass numeric control. This value represents a mass of one kilogram.
5. Click the Run button or press the <Ctrl-R> keys to run the VI.

The front panel now resembles the following image.

In the previous front panel, notice that the force of gravity causes the mass position and velocity to constantly decrease. However, in the real world, a mass attached to a spring oscillates up and down. This simulated spring does not oscillate because the simulation diagram does not represent damping or stiffness. You must represent these factors to have a complete simulation of the dynamic system.