Modeling of Flexible Bodies for Dynamic Analysis of Multi-Body Dynamic Systems Using Ritz Vectors

Vibration normal modes and static correction modes have been previously used to model flexible bodies for dynamic analysis of mechanical systems. The efficiency and accuracy of using these modes to model a system depends on both the flexibility of each body and the applied loads. This paper develops a generalized method for the generation of a set of Ritz vectors to model flexible bodies for dynamic analysis of multi-body mechanical systems. The Ritz vectors are generated using the distribution of dynamic loading on a flexible body. Therefore they form the most efficient vector basis for the spatial distribution of the loadings. The Ritz vectors can be re-generated when the system undergoes significant changes of its configuration and the regeneration procedure is inexpensive. The combinations of vibration normal modes and the proposed Ritz vectors thus form more efficient and accurate vector bases for the modeling of flexible bodies for dynamic analysis.