Essential Steps to Configure and Run a Model
After you've built your model as a connected block diagram, you need to decide how you want to run your model, configure SimMechanics and Simulink settings, and set up visualization.
You can choose from among four SimMechanics analysis modes for simulating a machine. The mode you will probably use most often is Forward Dynamics.
But a more complete analysis of a machine makes use of the Kinematics, Inverse Dynamics, and Trimming modes as well. You can create multiple versions of the model, each with the same underlying machine, but connected to Sensors and Actuators and configured differently for different modes.
You can also use the powerful SimMechanics visualization and animation features. You can visualize your model as you build it or after you are finished but before you start the simulation, as a tool for debugging the model's geometry. You can also animate the model as you simulate.
Choose the analysis mode, as well as other important mechanical settings, in your Machine Environment dialog. Start visualization and adjust Simulink settings in the Simulink Configuration Parameters dialog. See Model and Simulate a Closed-Loop Machine for an example.