Frequently Asked Questions

Operational FAQ.

I had ajust added a center of gravity to define the location, mass and shape of an equipment, but it seems it isn't being recognized by the software.

How can I use the "relative distances" tool?

How can I move through the 3D space?

How can I zoom In/zoom out in 2D view?

Is it possible to define the soil surface at any Z coordinate?

Which are the available formats to save the projects?

I'm trying to run my model but I'm getting a Fail message in the "Verification" window: Foundation, Soils, Machine Data, Forces, Force point, Mass point, Center of gravity, Bearings, Impedance selection, K rigid selection.

I have used a formula from the "machine" option to determinate an approximated force caused by an unbalanced machine. When I check the center of gravity, I find out that an additional force and a phase has been added.

What is the "Stick to block" STB option?

Is it possible to move the entire foundation model to another place in the design space? for example, to the origin.

How can I change the properties of graphical objects like mass, foundation block, mass point, force point, etc. ?

How can I make geometrically complex foundation models?

Which kind of machines it is possible to analyze with CLOCKWORK software?

What is the "System Weight Ratio"?

 

I had just added a center of gravity to define the location, mass and shape of an equipment, but it seems it isn't being recognized by the software.

The next step after defining a center of gravity on CLOCKWORK, to enter a machine , is to assign it to the machine center of gravity. For this you should go to the "machine" option, find and select with a left click of the mouse the center of gravity. If the steps were correctly done the center of gravity will appear in the "Assigned to Machine" box of the same window.

How can I use the "relative distances" tool?

The relative distances tool it useful to creating the model. First you have to activate the "relative distance" button; next select an existing block face which will define the reference of the relative coordinates system. Next select the object you need to move using the displayed relative coordinates.

How can I move through the 3D space?

You can use the keyboard arrow keys in combination with the mouse. First change your view to 3D space, make a left click with the mouse and while you have it clicked, press the arrow keys in the direction that you want to go. In addition, you can use the keyboard A,S,D,W keys instead of arrow keys. A: left | W: up | S: down | D: right.

How can I make zoom In/zoom out in 2D view?

To zoom In/out in 2D view, you could use the mouse wheel. Scroll up to zoom in and scroll down to zoom out.

Is it possible to define the soil surface at any Z coordinate?

No. The soil surface shall be always at zero level. (Z=0)

Which are the available formats to save the projects?

Currently CLOCKWORK has two available formats. CW: which saves all the data in XML/text mode. It allows the user to manipulate the files with an external text editor like NOTEPAD. NM: it will save all the data in binary mode. Files created with this extension can be opened only by CLOCKWORK.

I'm trying to run my model but I'm getting a Fail message in the "Verification" window:

First, for all the FAIL messages (displayed in red color), position the mouse over the Fail Item. A detail of your problem will be displayed. Recommended actions are as following:

* Foundation

1. Check that the foundation is directly resting in the first soil layer and that it is not "floating" in the space.

2. If you are using one or more layer over rigid rock, check that your foundation is not embedded in the rock.

3. If you are using the "stratified half-space" option and your foundation is embedded, check that you are using the "Fundamental" impedance or the "Cones" impedance. "Standard" impedance does not support embedded foundations.

4. If your foundation is embedded, check that you are using the "Cones" method.

* Soils

1. Check that you have at least assigned a soil in the "Soil" option

* Machine Data

1. Check that you have filled all the required information of the equipment.

* Forces

1. It is necessary to apply at least one force, either at a force point, center of gravity or bearing object.

* Impedance

1. Check that the selected impedance is compatible with the chosen soil/foundation system.

* Using Cones impedance all type of soil/foundation systems are available.

I have used a formula from the "machine" option to determinate an approximated force caused by an unbalanced machine. When I check the center of gravity, I find out that an additional force and a phase has been added.

When formulae are using for rotating machines the software automatically transform the excitation to a rotational one, adding all spatial components.

What is the "Stick to block" STB option?

The STB option is useful for incorporating objects ( force point, mass point, bearing or center of gravity) to the block model. The STB restrain the motion of the object to the upper visible face of the blocks.

Is it possible to move the entire foundation model to another place in the design space? for example, to the origin.

Yes, you can move horizontally without any effect, the foundation blocks and its force/mass objects wherever you want by selecting all the objects. To do this, use the CTRL+E keys, or from the edit menu -> Select All. Just remember to keep hold the CTRL key while moving the foundation blocks. Of course, if you move it vertically you are modifying the embeddement condition.

How can I change the properties of graphical objects like mass, foundation block, mass point, force point, etc. ?

To change quickly and easily the properties of a graphical object, select it by using the right mouse click. This will show a lateral properties tab for the selected object. Make your changes and press "OK" to save and continue.

How can I make geometrically complex foundation models?

CLOCKWORK designer module, works with bricks and cylinders which you can resize and stick together to create any kind of complex volumes.

Which kind of machines it is possible to analyze with CLOCKWORK software?

The current version allows the analysis of rotatory and reciprocating machines.

What is the "System Weight Ratio"?

The System Weight Ratio is defined as a ratio of foundation weight over machine weight.