Abstract:
The status and some recent developments in computational modeling of flexible multibodysystems are summarized. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects of flexible multibodydynamics including: modeling of the flexible components, constraint modeling, solution techniques,control strategies, coupled problems, design, and experimental studies. The characteristicsof the three types of reference frames used in modeling flexible multibody systems,namely, floating frame, corotational frame, and inertial frame, are compared. Future directionsof research are identified. These include new applications such as micro- and nano-mechanicalsystems; techniques and strategies for increasing the fidelity and computational efficiency ofthe models; and tools that can improve the design process of flexible multibody systems. Thisreview article cites 877 references.