can we simulate GRAVITY in inventor? 2

[tmox]

I am about to take on a project where i would like several of the components to act as if in a gravity situation, falling at the appropriate time.
If i had a ball in a tube and a plate blocking the tube I could constrain the ball to the centerline of the tube and tangent to the plate but, i would like it to fall when i remove the plate.
Any ideas anyone? Or am i just dreamin'?

what about sequential mates on a series of surfaces (stairs)? can that be done through position, direction and a nested IF formula?

 

[mcgyvr]

yes..look into using dynamic simulation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eza8-V26_Ro

 

[rollupswx]

gravity situation, falling at the appropriate time......on a series of surfaces (stairs)...

Joints - not mates. You will need Inventor Professional or Analysis with Dynamic Simulation.

Students can download Inventor Professional for free from

http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity

Stairs example in this book...

http://www.vdssolutions.co.uk/