old fashioned lifting chains - oval links

[steamingfred]

I am new to solidworks,and use the 2007 version, but am beginning to get the hang of it - all self taught. I have drawn an oval chain link by using a round profile swept along an oval path, but how does one "mate" the parts to get a length of chain, hanging down by gravity?
Any ideas? Each link sits in the bottom of the one above, but should be free to swing.
Many thanks

 

[Eltron]

To do something like this will be a serious chore, but if you're dead set on doing it this is what I would do. Place a point on your path sketch. Then mate the point on one link to the path sketch on another link. This should allow the links to slide along each other. However, if you rotate one link it will be able to pass through the other unless you use Move with Physical Dynamics checked. I think you're asking for problems with flipping mates and non-realistic motion by doing this, but I don't know what your design intent is.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

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