How to Add Gravity in SolidWorks Motion Study Easily

To add gravity in a SolidWorks Motion Study, open the Motion Study tab, click on Motion Analysis, then select Gravity from the Forces toolbar. Set the gravity direction and magnitude, and it will apply to your simulation automatically.

Syntax

In SolidWorks Motion Study, gravity is added through the Motion Analysis interface using the following steps:

• Motion Study Type: Set to Motion Analysis to enable physics-based simulation.
• Add Gravity: Use the Gravity button in the Forces toolbar.
• Direction: Choose the direction vector for gravity (usually downward).
• Magnitude: Set the gravity acceleration value (default is 9.81 m/s²).

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1. Open Motion Study tab
2. Change study type to Motion Analysis
3. Click Forces > Gravity
4. Set direction vector (e.g., -Y axis)
5. Set magnitude (9.81 m/s²)
6. Apply and run simulation

Example

This example shows how to add gravity to a simple pendulum model in SolidWorks Motion Study.

After creating the pendulum assembly, follow these steps:

• Open the Motion Study tab.
• Set the study type to Motion Analysis.
• Click Forces > Gravity.
• Set gravity direction to the negative Y-axis.
• Keep magnitude at 9.81 m/s².
• Run the simulation to see the pendulum swing under gravity.

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Open Motion Study tab
Set study type: Motion Analysis
Click Forces > Gravity
Direction: -Y axis (0, -1, 0)
Magnitude: 9.81 m/s²
Run simulation

Output

The pendulum swings realistically, showing gravity effect pulling it downward.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding gravity in SolidWorks Motion Study include:

• Not switching the study type to Motion Analysis, which disables gravity options.
• Setting gravity direction incorrectly, causing unrealistic motion.
• Forgetting to apply or enable gravity after adding it.
• Using incorrect units or magnitude for gravity.

Always verify the gravity vector points downward relative to your model's orientation.

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Wrong way:
1. Use <code>Animation</code> study type
2. Try to add gravity (option disabled)

Right way:
1. Switch to <code>Motion Analysis</code>
2. Add gravity with correct direction and magnitude

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Open Motion Study tab	Located at bottom of SolidWorks window
2	Set study type to Motion Analysis	Enables physics simulation features
3	Click Forces > Gravity	Opens gravity settings dialog
4	Set gravity direction	Usually (0, -1, 0) for downward Y-axis
5	Set magnitude	Default 9.81 m/s² for Earth gravity
6	Apply and run simulation	Check results for expected motion

Key Takeaways

Always set the Motion Study type to Motion Analysis to enable gravity.

Use the Forces toolbar to add and configure gravity direction and magnitude.

Verify gravity direction matches your model's orientation for realistic results.

Run the simulation after adding gravity to see its effect on your model.

Avoid using Animation study type if you want physics-based gravity effects.