Rotationless formulation for large deformations in flexible multibody dynamics

Abstract

Especially for specific applications, such as contact problems, computer methods for flexible multibody dynamics that are able to treat large deformation phenomena are important. Classical formalisms for multibody dynamics are based on rigid bodies. Their extension to flexible multibody systems is typically restricted to linear elastic material behavior whereas large deformation phenomena are formulated in the framework of the nonlinear finite element method.In the talk we address computer methods that can handle large deformations in the context of multibody systems. In particular, the link between nonlinear continuum mechanics and multibody systems is facilitated by a specific formulation of rigid body dynamics [1]. It makes possible the incorporation of state‐of‐the‐art computer methods for large deformation problems. In the talk we focus on the treatment of large deformation contact whithin flexible multibody dynamics [2]. (© 2011 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)