1. Introduction 2. Reference kinematics 3. Analytical techniques 4. Mechanics of deformable bodies 5. Floating frame of reference formulation 6. Finite element formulation 7. Large deformation problem Appendix: Linear algebra References Index.

Dynamics of multibody systems

In this paper, a review of past and recent developments in the dynamics of flexible multibody systems is presented. The objective is to review some of the basic approaches used in the computer aided kinematic and dynamic analysis of flexible mechanical systems, and to identify future directions in this research area. Among the formulations reviewed in this paper are the floating frame of reference formulation, the finite element incremental methods, large rotation vector formulations, the finite segment method, and the linear theory of elastodynamics. Linearization of the flexible multibody equations that results from the use of the incremental finite element formulations is discussed. Because of space limitations, it is impossible to list all the contributions made in this important area. The reader, however, can find more references by consulting the list of articles and books cited at the end of the paper. Furthermore, the numerical procedures used for solving the differential and algebraic equations of flexible multibody systems are not discussed in this paper since these procedures are similar to the techniques used in rigid body dynamics. More details about these numerical procedures as well as the roots and perspectives of multibody system dynamics are discussed in a companion review by Schiehlen [79]. Future research areas in flexible multibody dynamics are identified as establishing the relationship between different formulations, contact and impact dynamics, control-structure interaction, use of modal identification and experimental methods in flexible multibody simulations, application of flexible multibody techniques to computer graphics, numerical issues, and large deformation problem. Establishing the relationship between different flexible multibody formulations is an important issue since there is a need to clearly define the assumptions and approximations underlying each formulation. This will allow us to establish guidelines and criteria that define the limitations of each approach used in flexible multibody dynamics. This task can now be accomplished by using the “absolute nodal coordinate formulation” which was recently introduced for the large deformation analysis of flexible multibody systems.

Flexible Multibody Dynamics: Review of Past and Recent Developments

The status and some recent developments in computational modeling of flexible multibody systems are summarized. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects of flexible multibody dynamics including: modeling of the flexible components, constraint modeling, solution techniques, control strategies, coupled problems, design, and experimental studies. The characteristics of the three types of reference frames used in modeling flexible multibody systems, namely, floating frame, corotational frame, and inertial frame, are compared. Future directions of research are identified. These include new applications such as micro- and nano-mechanical systems; techniques and strategies for increasing the fidelity and computational efficiency of the models; and tools that can improve the design process of flexible multibody systems. This review article cites 877 references. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1590354#

https://hosting.umons.ac.be/html/mecara/grasmech/PaperWasfyNoor.pdf

Computational strategies for flexible multibody systems

FROM the beginning of civilization one need must make itself felt, namely, for some form of calendar. In turn, this gives rise to the primitive study of astronomy, involving some knowledge of the sun and the moon. When the planets are added in the next stage, the astronomer needs an ephemeris or almanac ; the modern Nautical Almanac, with its perfection within narrow limits, is the final outcome. There have been many stages on the road, and some apparent interruptions. But the urge has always been the same, essentially a practical one. The Analytical Foundations of Celestial Mechanics By Aurel Wintner. (Princeton Mathematical Series, No. 5.) Pp. xii + 448. (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1941.) 36s. net.

The Analytical Foundations of Celestial Mechanics

A review of space tether research

Laws of deployment/retrieval in tether connected satellites systems

The subject of this work is the dynamics of flexible space vehicles modelled by a chain of rigid and elastic bodies with tree structure. The aim of this investigation is to obtained an impedance matrix giving in frequency domain the response of the structure to external forces. We show that it is possible to obtain an expansion of this impedance matrix in terms of an infinite set of modal frequencies termed constrained modes and an expansion of the inverse of this impedance matrix in terms of an other set of modes. The work is a generalization of the theory made by Hugues [3] and others for systems with star structure.

Dynamics analysis of a system of hinge-connected flexible bodies

On fast retrieval laws for tethered satellite systems

Some open questions arising in the dynamical formulation ofsystems of hinge-connected flexible bodies are discussed. The first one deals with the choice of the 'floating reference frame' associated to abody undergoing large rigid body motions but small elastic deformations.The second one concerns the so-called geometric stiffening (orcentrifugal stiffening) effects. The last problem is concerned with theeventual appearance of higher-order terms in the kinetic energy of thesystem for large rates and large accelerations.

Madeleine Pascal

Papers

Laws of deployment/retrieval in tether connected satellites systems

Dynamics analysis of a system of hinge-connected flexible bodies

On fast retrieval laws for tethered satellite systems

Some Open Problems in Dynamic Analysis of Flexible Multibody Systems

Dynamical analysis of a flexible manipulator arm