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A new approach is presented for modelling multi-body systems, which constitutes a substantial enhancement of the Rigid Finite Element method. The new approach is based on homogeneous transformations and joint coordinates, and it yields the advantage that equations of motion are automatically generated for systems consisting of alternate rigid and flexible links. Apart from its simple physical interpretation and easy computer implementation, the method is also valuable for educational purposes since it impressively illustrates the impact of mechanical features on the mathematical model. This novel modelling approach is then applied to systems such as offshore-cranes and telescopic rapiers.
List of contents
Homogenous Transformations.- The Rigid Finite Element Method.- Modification of the Rigid Finite Element Method.- Calculations for a Cantilever Beam and Methods of Integrating the Equations of Motion.- Verification of the Method.- Applications.
Summary
A new approach is presented for modelling multi-body systems, which constitutes a substantial enhancement of the Rigid Finite Element method. The new approach is based on homogeneous transformations and joint coordinates, and it yields the advantage that equations of motion are automatically generated for systems consisting of alternate rigid and flexible links. Apart from its simple physical interpretation and easy computer implementation, the method is also valuable for educational purposes since it impressively illustrates the impact of mechanical features on the mathematical model. This novel modelling approach is then applied to systems such as offshore-cranes and telescopic rapiers.
Additional text
From the reviews:
"The book by Edmund Wittbrodt and coworkers introduces an alternative approach to flexible multibody dynamics. … Overall, the book is a comprehensive and systematic presentation of the rigid finite element method. The presented method is straightforward and particularly attractive for multibody applications where flexible bodies need to be taken into account … . It can be recommended for graduate students as well as for engineers working in the field." (Bernd Simeon, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, Vol. 87 (5), 2007)
"This is a monograph on the foundations of engineering mechanics. … The book is well written and should be of interest and use to students and practitioners in this ever broadening field of computational mechanics." (Ronald L. Huston, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1101 (3), 2007)
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From the reviews:
"The book by Edmund Wittbrodt and coworkers introduces an alternative approach to flexible multibody dynamics. ... Overall, the book is a comprehensive and systematic presentation of the rigid finite element method. The presented method is straightforward and particularly attractive for multibody applications where flexible bodies need to be taken into account ... . It can be recommended for graduate students as well as for engineers working in the field." (Bernd Simeon, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, Vol. 87 (5), 2007)
"This is a monograph on the foundations of engineering mechanics. ... The book is well written and should be of interest and use to students and practitioners in this ever broadening field of computational mechanics." (Ronald L. Huston, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1101 (3), 2007)
