Dynamic analysis of complex multibody systems using methods for differential-algebraic equations

Abstract

A general approach to the numerical simulation of complex multibody systems is presented which accomodates kinematical loops and rigid as well as flexible bodies. Key elements are the use of direct methods for differential-algebraic equations and the implementation as a toolkit using the object-oriented language C++. Within this framework it is possible to use different methods of formulating multibody systems and to easily introduce new types of components or new numerical methods.