The behavior of a cantilever beam built into a rigid body that is performing a specified motion of rotation and translation is studied with two objectives in mind. First, because the subject is of interest in connection with spacecraft antennae, helicopter rotor blades, robot arms, and other systems that perform complex motions, we create an algorithm that can be used to predict the behavior of the beam when the base undergoes general three-dimensional motions. Effects such as centrifugal stiffening and vibrations induced by Coriolis forces are accommodated automatically, rather than with the aid of ad hoc provisions. The second objective is to draw attention to fundamental flaws in certain multibody computer programs currently under development or already in use. To this end, we construct a second simulation algorithm, one that embodies the procedure apparently employed in the programs in question, and then compare simulation results produced by computer programs based on the two algorithms. Conflicts between the two approaches that thus come to light are discussed in detail.

Dynamics of a cantilever beam attached to a moving base

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

Several important issues relevant to modeling of flexible-link robotic manipulators are addressed in this paper. First, we examine the question of which inertial nonlinearities should be included in the equations of motion for purposes of simulation. A complete model incorporating all inertial terms that couple rigid-body and elastic motions is presented along with a rational scheme for classifying them. Second, the issue of geometric nonlinearities is discussed. These are terms whose origin is the geometrically nonlinear theory of elasticity, as well as the terms arising from the interbody coupling due to the elastic deformation at the link tip. Accordingly, a general way of incorporating the well-known geometric stiffening effect is presented along with several schemes for treating the elastic kinematics at the joint interconnections. In addition, the question of basis function selection for spatial discretization of the elastic displacements is also addressed. The finite element method and an eigenfunction expansion techniques are presented and compared. All issues are examined numerically in the context of a simple beam example and the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System. Unlike a single-link system, the results for the latter show that all terms are required for accurate simulation of faster maneuvers. Hence, the conclusions of the paper are contrary to some of the previous findings on the validity of various models for dynamics simulation of flexible-body systems

Simulation of Flexible-Link Manipulators With Inertial and Geometric Nonlinearities

On the nonlinear deformation geometry of Euler-Bernoulli beams. [rotary wings]

Structural Modeling and Free Vibration Analysis of Rotating Composite Thin-Walled Beams

In an attempt both to unify and extend the analytical basis of several aspects of the dynamic behavior of flexible rotating beams, the second-degree nonlinear equations of motion for the coupled flapwise bending, lagwise bending, and axial extension of an untwisted, torsionally rigid, nonuniform, rotating beam having an arbitrary angle of precone with the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation are derived using Hamilton's principle. The derivation of the equations is based on the geometric nonlinear theory of elasticity and the resulting equations are consistent with the assumption that the strains are negligible compared to unity. No restrictions are imposed on the relative displacements or angular rotations of the cross sections of the beam other than those implied by the assumption of small strains. Illustrative numerical results, obtained by using an integrating matrix as the basis for the method of solution, are presented both for the purpose of validating the present method of solution and indicating the range of applicability of the equations of motion and the method of solution.

W. F. White

Papers

Nonlinear flap-lag-axial equations of a rotating beam with arbitrary precone angle