A geometrically exact active beam theory for multibody dynamics simulation

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1136-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Han ◽  
Wenbin Yu ◽  
Sitikantha Roy
Author(s):  
Olivier A. Bauchau ◽  
Shilei Han

This paper presents an approach toward the integration of 3D stress computation with the tools used for the simulation of flexible multibody dynamics. Due to the low accuracy of the floating frame of reference approach, the the multibody dynamics community has turned its attention to comprehensive analysis tools based on beam theory. These tools evaluate sectional stress resultants, not 3D stress fields. The proposed approach decomposes the 3D problem into two simpler problems: a linear 2D analysis of the cross-section of the beam and a nonlinear, 1D of the beam. This procedure is described in details. For static problems, the proposed approach provides exact solutions of three-dimensional elasticity for uniform beams of arbitrary geometric configuration and made of anisotropic composite materials. While this strategy has been applied to dynamic problems, little attention has been devoted to inertial effects. This paper assesses the range of validity of the proposed beam theory when applied to dynamics problems. When beams are subjected to large axial forces, the induced axial stress components become inclined, generating a net torque that opposes further rotation of the section and leading to an increased effective torsional stiffness. This behavior, referred to as the Wagner or trapeze effect, cannot be captured by beam formulations that assume strain components to remain small, although arbitrarily large motions are taken into account properly. A formulation of beam theory that includes higher-order strain effects in an approximate manner is developed and numerical examples are presented. The “Saint-Venant problem” refers to a three-dimensional beam loaded at its end sections only. The “Almansi-Michell problem” refers to a three-dimensional beam loaded by distributed body forces, lateral surface tractions, and forces and moments at its end sections. Numerical examples of beams subjected to distributed loads will be presented and compared with 3D finite element solutions.


Author(s):  
Brant A. Ross

Media transport models for multibody dynamics simulation are different than the models typically implemented in the automotive and aerospace industries. The physical interaction between heavy, stiff components and light sheets present special challenges for engineering design. Feedback from both physical testing and simulation is needed. The emergence of a new generation of specialized application modules that are based on commercial multibody dynamics software provides engineers with a more approachable tool for simulation. The application of process automation is described. The requirements and benefits of 2D and 3D media transport models are different and are best addressed with separate application modules. Considerations for modeling and simulating a photo-receptor belt are reviewed. The future of media transport simulation is explored.


Author(s):  
Sebastian Hernandez ◽  
Sofiane Achiche ◽  
Daniel Spooner ◽  
Aurelian Vadean ◽  
Maxime Raison

Abstract Over the last decades, the use of multibody dynamics in biomechanics research has grown considerably and holds significant promises for the health and biomedical industries. Nowadays, it allows estimating internal data of the body that would be impractical or impossible to obtain experimentally, e.g. individual muscle forces. Also, multibody dynamics simulation allows one to constrain virtually any apparatus to the musculoskeletal system, helping to understand and improve the patient’s dynamic interactions with the device. The modeling and validation of human multibody models remain a tedious task to achieve for the research community and can vary significantly depending on the applications. Despite the advantages offered by the multibody modeling of the human body, its introduction in the biomedical engineering curriculum is not widespread. The present paper aims to evaluate the feasibility and the interest of introducing multibody modeling into multidisciplinary, real-world projects using 3D printed prototypes to add an experimental understanding of the difficulties and validation of the human body modeling. The proposed methodology is based on a literature review of the multibody dynamics teaching methods used in mechanical engineering, followed by a first pilot project and feedback from students and professors of the community through interviews. Finally, a project is proposed, using physical prototyping to support the learning.


Author(s):  
Aaron Gaut ◽  
Jonathan Cameron ◽  
Abhinandan Jain

Abstract DARTS is a rigid/flexible multibody dynamics toolkit for the modeling and simulation of aerospace and robotic vehicles for engineering applications. In this paper we describe an on-line, browser-based environment using Jupyter notebooks to support training needs for the DARTS software. The suite of curated tutorial notebooks is organized into different topic areas, and into multiple themes within each topic area. The notebooks within a theme use a progression of examples for users to expand their understanding of the software. The topic areas include one on the DARTS multibody dynamics software and another one on the theory underlying the multibody dynamics formulation. We also describe a number of Jupyter extensions that were used — and some developed in house — to enhance the notebook interface for use with the dynamics simulation software. One significant extension we implemented allows the embedding of live 3D visualizations within simulation notebooks.


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