A [[https://.mathworks.com/products/simscape.html][simscape]] model permits to model multi-physics systems.
[[https://mathworks.com/products/simmechanics.html][Simscape Multibody]] permits to model multibody systems using blocks representing bodies, joints, constraints, force elements, and sensors.
Each solid body is represented by a [[https://mathworks.com/help/physmod/sm/ref/solid.html][solid block]].
The geometry of the solid body can be imported using a =step= file. The properties of the solid body such as its mass, center of mass and moment of inertia can be derived from its density and its geometry as defined by the =step= file. They also can be set by hand.
Frames are very important in simscape multibody, they defined where the forces are applied, where the joints are located and where the measurements are made.
They can be defined from the solid body geometry, or using the [[https://mathworks.com/help/physmod/sm/ref/rigidtransform.html][rigid transform block]].
We can apply *external forces* to the model by using an [[https://mathworks.com/help/physmod/sm/ref/externalforceandtorque.html][external force and torque block]].
Internal force, acting reciprocally between base and following origins is implemented using the [[https://mathworks.com/help/physmod/sm/ref/internalforce.html][internal force block]] even though it is usually included in one joint block.