Aspects of Symbolic Formulations in Flexible Multibody Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Burkhardt ◽  
Robert Seifried ◽  
Peter Eberhard
Keyword(s):  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Multibody System ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Fem Model ◽  
Local Shape ◽  
Flexible Bodies ◽  
Elastic Bodies ◽  
Flexible Multibody

The symbolic modeling of flexible multibody systems is a challenging task. This is especially the case for complex-shaped elastic bodies, which are described by a numerical model, e.g., an FEM model. The kinematic and dynamic properties of the flexible body are in this case numerical and the elastic deformations are described with a certain number of local shape functions, which results in a large amount of data that have to be handled. Both attributes do not suggest the usage of symbolic tools to model a flexible multibody system. Nevertheless, there are several symbolic multibody codes that can treat flexible multibody systems in a very efficient way. In this paper, we present some of the modifications of the symbolic research code Neweul-M2 which are needed to support flexible bodies. On the basis of these modifications, the mentioned restrictions due to the numerical flexible bodies can be eliminated. Furthermore, it is possible to re-establish the symbolic character of the created equations of motion even in the presence of these solely numerical flexible bodies.

Semi-Symbolical Equations of Motion for Flexible Multibody Systems

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Melzer
Keyword(s):  
Data Model ◽  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Dynamical Analysis ◽  
Lightweight Structures ◽  
Elastic Bodies ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Increasing Demand

Abstract The need for computer aided engineering in the analysis of machines and mechanisms led to a wide variety of general purpose programs for the dynamical analysis of multibody systems. In the past few years the incorporation of flexible bodies in this methodology has evolved to one of the major research topics in the field of multibody dynamics, due to the use of more lightweight structures and an increasing demand for high-precision mechanisms such as robots. This paper presents a formalism for flexible multibody systems based on a minimum set of generalized coordinates and symbolic computation. A standardized object-oriented data model is used for the system matrices, describing the elastodynamic behaviour of the flexible body. Consequently, the equations of motion are derived in a form independent of the chosen modelling technique for the elastic bodies.

The Motion Formalism for Flexible Multibody Systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Bauchau ◽  
Valentin Sonneville
Keyword(s):  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Solution Process ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Governing Equations ◽  
Euclidean Group ◽  
Reduced Order ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Element Approach

Abstract This paper describes a finite element approach to the analysis of flexible multibody systems. It is based on the motion formalism that (1) uses configuration and motion to describe the kinematics of flexible multibody systems, (2) recognizes that these are members of the Special Euclidean group thereby coupling their displacement and rotation components, and (3) resolves all tensors components in local frames. The goal of this review paper is not to provide an in-depth derivation of all the elements found in typical multibody codes but rather to demonstrate how the motion formalism (1) provides a theoretical framework that unifies the formulation of all structural elements, (2) leads to governing equations of motion that are objective, intrinsic, and present a reduced order of nonlinearity, (3) improves the efficiency of the solution process, and (4) prevents the occurrence of singularities.

Recursive Method for the Dynamic Analysis of Open-Loop Flexible Multibody Systems

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunn-Lin Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Recursive Method ◽  
Flexible Bodies ◽  
System Equations ◽  
Generalized Newton ◽  
Time Invariant

The main objective of this paper is to develop a recursive method for the dynamic analysis of open-loop flexible multibody systems. The nonlinear generalized Newton-Euler equations are used for flexible bodies that undergo large translational and rotational displacements. These equations are formulated in terms of a set of time invariant scalars, vectors and matrices that depend on the spatial coordinates as well as the assumed displacement fields, and these time invariant quantities represent the dynamic coupling between the rigid body motion and elastic deformation. The method to solve for the equations of motion for open-loop systems consisting of interconnected rigid and flexible bodies is presented in this investigation. This method applies recursive method with the generalized Newton-Euler method for flexible bodies to obtain a large, loosely coupled system equations of motion. The solution techniques used to solve for the system equations of motion can be more efficiently implemented in the vector or digital computer systems. The algorithms presented in this investigation are illustrated by using cylindrical joints that can be easily extended to revolute, slider and rigid joints. The basic recursive formulations developed in this paper are demonstrated by two numerical examples.

Modeling of Revolute Joints in Topology Optimization of Flexible Multibody Systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Moghadasi ◽  
Alexander Held ◽  
Robert Seifried
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Multibody System ◽  
Order Reduction ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Hertzian Contact ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Nonlinear Finite Elements ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Hertzian Contact Law

In recent years, topology optimization has been used for optimizing members of flexible multibody systems to enhance their performance. Here, an extension to existing topology optimization schemes for flexible multibody systems is presented in which a more accurate model of revolute joints and bearing domains is included. This extension is of special interest since a connection between flexible members in a multibody system using revolute joints is seen in many applications. Moreover, the modeling accuracy of the bearing area is shown to be influential on the shape of the optimized structure. In this work, the flexible bodies are incorporated in the multibody simulation using the floating frame of reference formulation, and their elastic deformation is approximated using global shape functions calculated in the model order reduction analysis. The modeling of revolute joints using Hertzian contact law is incorporated in this framework by introducing a corrector load in the bearing model. Furthermore, an application example of a flexible multibody system with revolute joints is optimized for minimum value of compliance, and a comparative study of the optimization result is performed with an equivalent system which is modeled with nonlinear finite elements.

scholarly journals Formulation of Shell Elements Based on the Motion Formalism

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1009-1036
Author(s):  
Olivier Bauchau ◽  
Valentin Sonneville
Keyword(s):  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Solution Process ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Governing Equations ◽  
Euclidean Group ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Reduced Order ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Plates And Shells

This paper presents a finite element implementation of plates and shells for the analysis of flexible multibody systems. The developments are set within the framework of the motion formalism that (1) uses configuration and motion to describe the kinematics of flexible multibody systems, (2) couples their displacement and rotation components by recognizing that configuration and motion are members of the Special Euclidean group, and (3) resolves all tensors components in local frames. The formulation based on the motion formalism (1) provides a theoretical framework that streamlines the formulation of shell elements, (2) leads to governing equations of motion that are objective, intrinsic, and present a reduced order of nonlinearity, (3) improves the efficiency of the solution process, (4) circumvents the shear locking phenomenon that plagues shell formulations based on classical kinematic descriptions, and (5) prevents the occurrence of singularities in the treatment of finite rotation. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the advantageous features of the proposed formulation.

Approximate End-Effector Tracking Control of Flexible Multibody Systems Using Singular Perturbations

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Gorius ◽  
Robert Seifried ◽  
Peter Eberhard
Keyword(s):  
Tracking Control ◽  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Multibody System ◽  
Feedforward Control ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Flexible Manipulator ◽  
End Effector ◽  
Nonminimum Phase ◽  
Flexible Multibody

In many cases, the design of a tracking controller can be significantly simplified by the use of a 2-degrees of freedom (DOF) control structure, including a feedforward control (i.e., the inversion of the nominal system dynamics). Unfortunately, the computation of this feedforward control is not easy if the system is nonminimum-phase. Important examples of such systems are flexible multibody systems, such as lightweight manipulators. There are several approaches to the numerical computation of the exact inversion of a flexible multibody system. In this paper, the singularly perturbed form of such mechanical systems is used to give a semianalytic solution to the tracking control design. The control makes the end-effector to even though not exactly, but approximately track a certain trajectory. Thereby, the control signal is computed as a series expansion in terms of an overall flexibility of the bodies of the multibody system. Due to the use of symbolic computations, the main calculations are independent of given parameters (e.g., the desired trajectories), such that the feedforward control can be calculated online. The effectiveness of this approach is shown by the simulation of a two-link flexible manipulator.

scholarly journals On design sensitivities in the structural analysis and optimization of flexible multibody systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Held
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Multibody Systems ◽  
The Body ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Adjoint Variable ◽  
Flexible Bodies ◽  
Design Sensitivities ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Data Files ◽  
Floating Frame

AbstractThe structural analysis and optimization of flexible multibody systems become more and more popular due to the ability to efficiently compute gradients using sophisticated approaches such as the adjoint variable method and the adoption of powerful methods from static structural optimization. To drive the improvement of the optimization process, this work addresses the computation of design sensitivities for multibody systems with arbitrarily parameterized rigid and flexible bodies that are modeled using the floating frame of reference formulation. It is shown that it is useful to augment the body describing standard input data files by their design derivatives. In this way, a clear separation can be achieved between the body modeling and parameterization and the system simulation and analysis.

On the Use of Virtual Work in a Graph-Theoretic Formulation for Multibody Dynamics

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengfei Shi ◽  
John McPhee
Keyword(s):  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Virtual Work ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Computer Implementation ◽  
Graph Theoretic ◽  
Graph Theoretic Approach ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
New Formulation

Abstract In this paper, graph-theoretic and virtual work methods are combined in a new formulation of the equations of motion for rigid and flexible multibody systems. In addition to extending the theory for existing graph-theoretic approaches, this new formulation offers two distinct improvements. First, the set of differential-algebraic dynamic equations are smaller in number than those obtained using conventional formulations. Secondly, the equations of motion for rigid and flexible multibody systems can be generated using a consistent graph-theoretic approach, thereby leading to an efficient and modular computer implementation.

Sensivity Analysis of Flexible Multibody Systems

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Neto ◽  
R. P. Leal ◽  
J. Ambro´sio
Keyword(s):  
Multibody Systems ◽  
Automatic Differentiation ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Flexible Multibody Systems ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Finite Differences Method ◽  
Flexible Multibody ◽  
Analytical Sensitivities

In this work a general formulation for the computation of the first order analytical sensitivities based on the direct method is presented. The direct method for sensitivity calculation is obtained by differentiating the equations that define the response of the flexible system with respect to the design variables. The design variables used here are the ply orientations of the laminated. The analytical sensitivities are compared with the numerical results obtained by using the finite differences method. For the beam composite material elements, the section properties and their sensitivities are found using an asymptotic procedure that involves a two-dimensional finite element analysis of their cross-section. The equations of the sensitivities are obtained by automatic differentiation and integrated in time simultaneously with the equations of motion of the multibody systems. The equations of motion and sensitivities of the flexible multibody system are solved and the accelerations and velocities and sensitivities of accelerations and velocities are integrated. Through the application of the methodology to a single flexible multibody systems the difficulties and benefices of the procedure are discussed.

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