Approximate Analysis of Flexible Parts in Multibody Systems Using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

An easy applicable procedure for the approximate analysis of a flexible body in a multibody system (MBSl is presented. It is based on the major assumptions that the elastic deformations in the MBS are small and that their effect upon the large motion of the MBS is negligible. It can be carried out using a standard code for the analysis of rigid multibody systems and a nonlinear general purpose finite element program which has to be extended, so that the inertia forces and the constraint forces acting on the examined body can be applied. Deformations and stresses are calculated for some examples, also including the effects of dynamic coupling and dynamic stiffening as well as contact problems.