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

Dynamics of gear-pair systems driven by motors and presenting speed-dependent moment resistance is investigated. First, a suitable mechanical model is developed, taking into account the gear mesh backlash and static transmission error as well as the essential non-linearities due to the bearing clearance and contact characteristics. In comparison with earlier related studies, the new element of the present work is that the model developed determines the system response by simply specifying the external loads, rather than by assuming an a priori value for the constant mean angular velocity of the gear shafts. In fact, models employed in earlier research studies are shown to be obtained as special cases of the present model. The study is completed by numerical results. First, classical response diagrams are presented, illustrating the effect of the most important parameters on the system response. Finally, direct integration of the equations of motion is also performed, demonstrating the existence of quasi-periodic and chaotic long time response for selected combinations of the system parameters.

Periodic and chaotic dynamics of motor-driven gear-pair systems with backlash

http://users.metu.edu.tr/marat/papers/af115.pdf

Chaotic period-doubling and OGY control for the forced Duffing equation

In the first part of this study, dynamic models of single- and multi-cylinder reciprocating machines are presented, which may involve torsional flexibility in the crankshaft. These models take into account the dependence of the engine moment of inertia on the crankshaft rotation. In addition, both the driving and the resisting moments are expressed as functions of the crankshaft motion. This leads to dynamic models with equations of motion appearing in a strongly nonlinear form. Initially, an approximate analytical solution is presented for a linearized version of the equations of motion, by applying a suitable asymptotic method. This provides valuable insight into some aspects of the system dynamics. In the second part, numerical results are presented for linear and nonlinear engine models by applying appropriate methodologies, leading to direct determination of complete branches of steady-state response. These results illustrate the effect of the system parameters on its dynamics. Finally, some results are also presented in an effort to investigate the effect of engine misfire.

Linear and nonlinear dynamics of reciprocating engines

Dynamic responses of the flexible connecting rod of a slider-crank mechanism with time-dependent boundary effect

The Dynamic Stability and Non-Linear Resonance of a Flexible Connecting Rod: Single-Mode Model

The transverse vibrations of a flexible connecting rod in an otherwise rigid slider-crank mechanism are considered. An analytical approach using the method of multiple scales is adopted and particular emphasis is placed on nonlinear effects which arise from finite deformations. Several nonlinear resonances and instabilities are investigated, and the influences of important system parameters on these resonances are examined in detail.

/pdf/the-dynamic-stability-and-nonlinear-resonance-of-a-flexible-3v173azwrh.pdf

The dynamic stability and nonlinear resonance of a flexible connecting rod: Continuous parameter model

In this paper we present results on chaotic motions in a periodically forced impacting system which is analogous to the version of Duffing’s equation with negative linear stiffness. Our focus is on the prediction and manipulation of the cross-well chaos in this system. First, we develop a general method for determining parameter conditions under which homoclinic tangles exist, which is a necessary condition for cross-well chaos to occur. We then show how one may manipulate higher harmonics of the excitation in order to affect the range of excitation amplitudes over which fractal basin boundaries between the two potential wells exist. We also experimentally investigate the threshold for cross-well chaos and compare the results with the theoretical results. Second, we consider the rate at which the system crosses from one potential well to the other during a chaotic motion and relate this to the rate of phase space flux in a Poincare map defined in terms of impact parameters. Results from simulations and experiments are compared with a simple theory based on phase space transport ideas, and a predictive scheme for estimating the rate of crossings under different parameter conditions is presented. The main conclusions of the paper are the following: (1) higher harmonics can be used with some effectiveness to extend the region of deterministic basin boundaries (in terms of the amplitude of excitation) but their effect on steady-state chaos is unreliable; (2) the rate at which the system executes cross-well excursions is related in a direct manner to the rate of phase space flux of the system as measured by the area of a turnstile lobe in the Poincare map. These results indicate some of the ways in which the chaotic properties of this system, and possibly others such as Duffing’s equation, are influenced by various system and input parameters. The main tools of analysis are a special version of Melnikov’s method, adapted for this piecewise-linear system, and ideas of phase space transport.

Shang-Rou Hsieh

Papers

The Dynamic Stability and Non-Linear Resonance of a Flexible Connecting Rod: Single-Mode Model

The dynamic stability and nonlinear resonance of a flexible connecting rod: Continuous parameter model

Properties of cross-well chaos in an impacting system