Application of the Vector-Network Method to Constrained Mechanical Systems

1986 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tai-Wai Li ◽  
Gordon C. Andrews

The vector-network technique is a methodical approach to formulating equations of motion for unconstrained dynamic systems, utilizing concepts from graph theory and vectorial mechanics; it is ideally suited to computer applications. In this paper, the vector-network theory is significantly improved and extended to include constrained mechanical systems with both open and closed kinematic chains. A new formulation procedure is developed in which new kinematic constraint elements are incorporated. The formulation is based on a modified tree/cotree classification, which deviates significantly from previous work, and reduces the number of equations of motions to be solved. The dynamic equations of motion are derived, with generalized accelerations and a subset of the reaction forces as solution variables, and a general kinematic analysis procedure is also developed, similar to that of the dynamic formulation. Although this paper restricts most discussions to two-dimensional (planar) systems, the new method is equally applicable to 3-dimensional systems.

Author(s):  
L. Shih ◽  
A. A. Frank

Abstract This paper presents a simple and systematic method of analysis for the kinematics and dynamics of spatial multi-loop mechanisms with closed and open kinematic chains. The Newton-Euler formulation is used to derive the dynamic equations of motion of each link. This formulation completely eliminates kinematic redundancies and singularities. Compliant joint models are introduced to cover real life effects such as joint clearances, lubrication of joints, joint to link compliances, etc. Direct computation of joint reaction forces results. An example of the application of the method to the dynamic and kinematic analysis of a 3 dimensional spatial slider-crank mechanism with a flywheel is presented.


2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-185
Author(s):  
Dinh Van Phong

The article deals with the problem of consistent initial values of the system of equations of motion which has the form of the system of differential-algebraic equations. Direct treating the equations of mechanical systems with particular properties enables to study the system of DAE in a more flexible approach. Algorithms and examples are shown in order to illustrate the considered technique.


Author(s):  
E. Bayo ◽  
J. M. Jimenez

Abstract We investigate in this paper the different approaches that can be derived from the use of the Hamiltonian or canonical equations of motion for constrained mechanical systems with the intention of responding to the question of whether the use of these equations leads to more efficient and stable numerical algorithms than those coming from acceleration based formalisms. In this process, we propose a new penalty based canonical description of the equations of motion of constrained mechanical systems. This technique leads to a reduced set of first order ordinary differential equations in terms of the canonical variables with no Lagrange’s multipliers involved in the equations. This method shows a clear advantage over the previously proposed acceleration based formulation, in terms of numerical efficiency. In addition, we examine the use of the canonical equations based on independent coordinates, and conclude that in this second case the use of the acceleration based formulation is more advantageous than the canonical counterpart.


Author(s):  
B. J. Gilmore ◽  
R. J. Cipra

Abstract Due to changes in the kinematic constraints, many mechanical systems are described by discontinuous equations of motion. This paper addresses those changes in the kinematic constraints which are caused by planar bodies contacting and separating. A strategy to automatically predict and detect the kinematic constraint changes, which are functions of the system dynamics, is presented in Part I. The strategy employs the concepts of point to line contact kinematic constraints, force closure, and ray firing together with the information provided by the rigid bodies’ boundary descriptions, state variables, and reaction forces to characterize the kinematic constraint changes. Since the strategy automatically predicts and detects constraint changes, it is capable of simulating mechanical systems with unpredictable or unforeseen changes in topology. Part II presents the implementation of the characterizations into a simulation strategy and presents examples.


Author(s):  
Elias Paraskevopoulos ◽  
Sotirios Natsiavas

An investigation is carried out for deriving conditions on the correct application of Newton’s law of motion to mechanical systems subjected to constraints. It utilizes some fundamental concepts of differential geometry and treats both holonomic and anholonomic constraints. The focus is on establishment of conditions, so that the form of Newton’s law remains invariant when imposing an additional set of motion constraints on a system. Based on this requirement, two conditions are derived, specifying the metric and the form of the connection on the new manifold. The latter is weaker than a similar condition employed frequently in the literature, but holding on Riemannian manifolds only. This is shown to have several practical implications. First, it provides a valuable freedom for selecting the connection on the manifold describing large rigid body rotation, so that the group properties of this manifold are preserved. Moreover, it is used to state clearly the conditions for expressing Newton’s law on the tangent space (and not on the dual space) of a manifold. Finally, the Euler-Lagrange operator is examined and issues related to equations of motion for anholonomic and vakonomic systems are investigated.


2014 ◽  
Vol 611 ◽  
pp. 40-45
Author(s):  
Darina Hroncová ◽  
Jozef Filas

The paper describes an algorithm for automatic compilation of equations of motion. Lagrange equations of the second kind and the transformation matrices of basic movements are used by this algorithm. This approach is useful for computer simulation of open kinematic chains with any number of degrees of freedom as well as any combination of bonds.


2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Udwadia ◽  
R. E. Kalaba

Since its inception about 200 years ago, Lagrangian mechanics has been based upon the Principle of D’Alembert. There are, however, many physical situations where this confining principle is not suitable, and the constraint forces do work. To date, such situations are excluded from general Lagrangian formulations. This paper releases Lagrangian mechanics from this confinement, by generalizing D’Alembert’s principle, and presents the explicit equations of motion for constrained mechanical systems in which the constraints are nonideal. These equations lead to a simple and new fundamental view of Lagrangian mechanics. They provide a geometrical understanding of constrained motion, and they highlight the simplicity with which Nature seems to operate.


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