Multibody system analysis based on Hamilton's Weak Principle

A temporal finite element method based on a mixed form of the Hamiltonian weak principle is developed for dynamics and optimal control problems. The mixed form of Hamilton's weak principle contains both displacements and momenta as primary variables that are expanded in terms of nodal values and simple polynomial shape functions. Unlike other forms of Hamilton's principle, however, time derivatives of the momenta and displacements do not appear therein; instead, only the virtual momenta and virtual displacements are differentiated with respect to time. Based on the duality that is observed to exist between the mixed form of Hamilton's weak principle and variational principles governing classical optimal control problems, a temporal finite element formulation of the latter can be developed in a rather straightforward manner. Several well-known problems in dynamics and optimal control are illustrated. The example dynamics problem involves a time-marching problem. As optimal control examples, elementary trajectory optimization problems are treated.

Methods and identities for computation of kinematic and kinetic derivatives required for a broad spectrum of multibody system analyses are presented. Analyses such as implicit numerical integration of the differential–algebraic equations of multibody dynamics, dynamic sensitivity analysis, and workspace analysis are shown to require computation of three derivatives of algebraic constraint functions and first derivatives of inertia and force expressions. Computationally efficient derivative calculation methods and associated identities are presented for Cartesian generalized coordinates, with Euler parameters for orientation. Results presented enable practical and efficient computation of all derivatives required in multibody mechanical system analysis.

This paper describes the design of a multibody systems analysis program that implements the principles of object-oriented programming to simplify the architecture of the code. A minimum coordinate set approach is used to generate the equations of motion. The principal features of the program include a unified treatment of rigid, flexible, and generic bodies, and the use of a single algorithm for both open-loop and closed-loop systems.

This chapter provides a brief and very selective survey of some software useful for solving problems in analytical dynamics. I have chosen to include only software intended for academic and industrial use that has been validated for modeling accuracy. Consequently, I have omitted the many dynamics engines used for video games and entertainment purposes. General Purpose Mathematical Software A number of powerful tools for mathematical analysis exist. Two of the most popular are Mathematica by Wolfram Research Inc. and MATLAB by The MathWorks Inc. They provide capabilities for both symbolic manipulation of expressions (i.e., computer algebra systems) and numerical computation and evaluation of expressions. While the basic Mathematica and MATLAB applications do not provide high-level programming abstractions specific to multibody system modeling and analysis, they are extremely useful for the low-level symbolic and numerical processing required in solving problems in analytical dynamics (see Figure 10.1 for a screenshot of Mathematica). This has a benefit in the learning process, as they require the student to understand the central concepts of analytical dynamics and to set up the solution procedure in a detailed manner, while alleviating much of the tedium of the algebraic and numerical work. Packages and Extensions for Multibody Dynamics Wolfram Research and MathWorks both provide domain-specific extensions for analyzing multibody systems. This gives the user access to high-level abstractions for modeling, simulating, and analyzing multibody systems. These high-level abstractions can be accessed through a programming language or through a diagrammatic interface supporting both acausal and causal modeling. Acausal modeling involves component-based schematic representations of the physical system, whereas causal modeling involves block diagram representations of the underlying mathematical description of the system. Simscape Multibody (formerly SimMechanics) by The MathWorks Inc. allows users to model multibody systems using a library of blocks associated with bodies, joints, constraints, spatial transformations, force elements, and sensors (see Figure 10.2 for a screenshot of Simscape Multibody). Entire CAD assemblies can be imported along with associated geometry, inertial properties, joint parameters, and constraints. Simscape Multibody then formulates and integrates the equations of motion for the multibody system. Animations are generated during simulation to allow visualization of the motion of the system.

Computational structural analysis of spatial multibody systems based on mobility criteria

The principle of virtual work is used to derive the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion in order to describe the dynamics of multibody android systems. The constrained variational equations are in fact differential-algebraic equations of high index and are cast as ordinary differential equations through differentiation of the constraint equations. The integration routine LSODAR and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method are used to compute the generalized coordinates, their time derivatives and the body forces of two android models. The graphs of the constraint forces reveal the whiplash effect on the neck and that the stiffness of both multibody systems is due to large magnitude impulsive forces experienced by many bodies simultaneously.

This review article focuses on the problems related to numerical simulation of finite dimensional nonsmooth multibody mechanical systems. The rigid body dynamical case is examined here. This class of systems involves complementarity conditions and impact phenomena, which make its study and numerical analysis a difficult problem that cannot be solved by relying on known Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) or Differential Algebraic Equation (DAE) integrators only. The main techniques, mathematical tools, and existing algorithms are reviewed. The article utilizes 233 references.

Analytical formulas for kinematic and kinetic derivatives needed in multibody system analyses are derived. A broad spectrum of problems, including implicit numerical integration, dynamic sensitivity analysis, and kinematic workspace analysis, require evaluation of first derivatives of generalized inertia and force expressions and at least three derivatives of algebraic constraint functions. In the setting of a formulation based on Cartesian generalized coordinates with Euler parameters for orientation, basic identities are developed that enable practical and efficient computation of all derivatives required for a large number of multibody mechanical system analyses. The formulation is verified through application to a spatial slider crank mechanism and a 14 body vehicle model. Efficiency of computation using the expressions derived is compared with results obtained employing finite differences, showing significant computational advantage using the analytically derived expressions.

<div class="htmlview paragraph">In this paper methods for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of multibody vehicle systems are presented. A total Lagrangian finite element formulation for deformable bodies of the vehicle systems that undergo large translational and rotational displacements is developed. A set of nonlinear dynamic differential equations are developed in a closed form for each finite element in terms of the reference as well as the nodal elstic coordinates and their time derivatives. These equations are expressed in terms of a set of element invariants that depend on the assumed displacement field. The invariants of the deformable body that undergoes large reference translational and rotational displacements can be obtained by assembling the invariants of its elements using a standard finite element procedure. The nonlinear dynamic equations of the deformable body can then be obtained by assembling the nonlinear element equations. Both the consistent and lumped mass finite element formulations are discussed. The dynamic formulations presented in this paper are exemplified using multibody vehicle systems that consist of interconnected rigid and deformable bodies. Numerical results are obtained using the general purpose computer program <b>DAMS</b> (Dynamic Analysis of Multibody Systems).</div>

An object-oriented, computational architecture for multibody system analysis has been developed and implemented for a limited number of system components. The unique aspect of this architecture is that it is based on the weakest possible form of Hamilton’s Law of Varying Action, such that solutions are obtained directly, by solving a set of nonlinear algebraic equations. This paper describes the architecture and the specific components that have been implemented. Then, a number of sample problems are presented, in order to validate the functionality of each component. The results from each sample problem are compared to results of the same problems, solved using ordinary differential equations. The comparisons show that the simulations based on Hamilton’s Law are sufficiently accurate, as compared to the ordinary differential equation solutions.

This paper presents the validation of a novel code for the dynamic analysis of flexible multibody systems, which leverages projective geometric algebra for the kinematic description of the system. The theoretical foundations of geometric algebra are introduced briefly. A closed-form solution for the interpolation of motion is derived within the proposed framework and a finite element formulation of geometrically exact beams is developed. The accuracy of this code is assessed by comparing its prediction with those of eight multibody dynamics codes developed by independent researchers. Results are presented for three benchmark problems: the flexible four-bar mechanism, the lateral buckling of a thin beam, and the stability of a rotating shaft. Excellent agreement is found between the predictions of the proposed code and the previously published results, confirming the accuracy of the PGA-based approach. These findings demonstrate the potential of geometric algebra as a robust and elegant basis for the analysis of complex multibody systems.

The aim of this work is to implement a new nondestructive testing (NDT) method based on the metal magnetic memory (MMM) effect into comprehensive diagnostic approach for power-line connectors, which is of great practical importance. Essence of this method lies in detection of stress concentration zones (SCZs) in material of the considered element during its operation (before micro-cracks and fracture occurs). If to compare with the traditional NDT methods, which indicate SCZs after the failure (post factum), this method provides major progress in the field of NDT. In this paper an approach of connection of numerical structural simulation (static and dynamic) with MMM-based testing method is also proposed. SCZs in power-line mechanical connector were evaluated and dynamic analysis of a complete power line, which included the analyzed connector, was carried out by means of MSC.ADAMS. Uniqueness of this analysis consist in integration of FEM analysis, MSC.ADAMS multibody system analysis (for testing of working conditions in advance - during virtual prototyping) and verification using MMM method. This hybrid approach enables to accomplish diagnostic analysis of selected construction elements and provides the possibility to take into consideration actual working conditions (e.g. vibrations) of the element. Proposed diagnostics method can substantially increase operational safety of electrical connectors and lines.

Clearance is inevitable for manufacture and assembly in the revolute joints of multibody systems. Excessive value of joint clearance will lead to the poor dynamic performance of mechanism, namely noise, vibration and fatigue failure. This paper presents the development of a dynamic model for planar multibody systems with clearance joints. Based on the continuous contact law, the contact force model proposed by Lankarani and Nikravesh is employed to describe the contact–impact phenomenon between pin and hole. And, the incorporation of the friction influence on revolute joint clearance is conducted by a modified friction force model. According to the geometric relationship between contact elements, the kinematics of the multibody systems is mapped into the global coordinate systems. Additionally, an experimental test platform is set up whereby a slider–crank mechanism with two clearance joints is used as an example to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, the effects of joint clearance on the dynamic characteristics of planar multibody systems are investigated.

Multibody dynamics comprises methodologies for the design and analysis of mechanical systems, with Kalman filters being the principal state estimation methods. The Kalman filters are generally formulated for unconstrained systems, the dynamics of which are described by ordinary differential equations in state-space models. However, multibody systems are constrained systems, and the commonly used method to describe their dynamics involves using differential algebraic equations (DAEs) comprising differential and algebraic equations. The differential equations also include the Lagrange multipliers. Hence, incorporating multibody systems, described by DAEs into the scheme of Kalman filters, cannot be achieved straightforwardly, which facilitates different strategies being addressed. This study develops a novel method for converting DAEs into a state-space model. A transition model of the time derivatives of Lagrange multipliers and a Lagrange multiplier constraint vector are devised and used in the state and output equations, respectively. The continuous- and discrete-time extended Kalman filters (CEKF and DEKF) are constructed using the proposed state-space model, and state estimations are simulated on the benchmark planar four- and five-bar linkages. Further, a demonstration of system observability is conducted, and sensitivity to the initial state estimates is studied. These tests demonstrate that the proposed state-space model achieves observable systems and that both the CEKF and DEKF, constructed using the proposed state-space model, can estimate the states with a wide range of initial conditions.

Adaptive event-triggered tracking control for strict-feedback nonlinear ODE cascaded n+1 coupled hyperbolic PDE systems.