Dynamic simulation: Using an ellipse in 2d contact

[etfrench]

I have an elliptical cam whichI need to use in a simulation.  2D Contact joint throws an error message: "A curve can only be a spline OR a loop of lines and/or arcs." when trying to use the elliptical cam.  I don't know of a way to create an accurate ellipse using curves or splines

If it helps the ellipse is 50mm X 30mm.

[Xun.Zhang]

Hello @etfrench,

Two ways to create ellipse curve -

#1, Create a 2D sketch and make an ellipse with the ellipse command.

#2, Create a 2D sketch and create equation curve by equation below, example with 50, 10 as major and minor axis' length.

Cartesian coordinates

x = 50 * t

y = 10 * sin (t * 360)

Hope it helps!

[etfrench]

The ellipse command can't be used to generate the geometry for the 2D Contact joint (see original post).

The formula you posted makes a nice sine wave, not an ellipse. This site show the formula for an ellipse:

x = a cos t
y = b sin t

Entering that in the equation curve dialog as 25*cos(t) and 15*sin(t) returns a short curve.