Yes, you can turn off interactive animation with the check-box in the simulation panel. Just below the toolboxes.
How many threads are you running now? Adams usually have an optimum for using 4-8 threads if you have that many cores on your computer. Refer tot eh PREFERENCES statement in the solver documentation:
PREFERENCES/NTHREADS = 8
for example.
I still can't understand what it is that you are trying to model. But as there are multiple contacts in your model, I suggest that you use the HHT integrator. Make sure to use an appropriate HMAX to capture the frequencies of interest. And set HINIT=HMAX/100.
That the model runs faster when you increase the number of steps indicates that you have not tuned the solver settings for accuracy for your model. You should decrease error until displacements don't change anymore. Then decrease HMAX until accelerations has converged.
As your model contains contacts, I recommend that you use the HHT integrator. That can speed up the simulation a lot.
And your number of output steps should be determined by the frequency you are interested in studying. Use HMAX, not output steps to control the integrator.
Adams is a numeric time integrating solver. To use this, there are several different algorithms to choose from and a multitude of parameters for each one of them.
Do not expect to be proficient in using any complex software like this without having a basic knowledge of the options and some understanding of the mathematics behind.
@ JSlat:- Where can I find this Theodara's Fabulous Manual? Do you have any link to it?
Google when queried on "Fabulous manual, Theodora" is throwing manuals for Yoga; Food canning and Preservation. (On another note, you are advising us to read software help manual on solver and best practises)
