Modeling and Simulation of Contacting Flexible Bodies in Multibody Systems

Abstract: This thesis summarizes the equations, algorithms and design decisions necessary for dynamic simulation of flexible bodies with moving contacts. The assumed general shape function approach is also presented. The approach is expected to be computationally less expensive than FEM approaches and easier to use than other reduction techniques. Additionally, the described technique enables studies of the residual stress release during grinding of flexible bodies.The overall software system design for a flexible multi-body simulation system BEAST is presented and the specifics of the flexible modeling is specially addressed. An industrial application example is also described in the thesis. The application presents some results from a case where the developed system is used for simulation of flexible ring grinding with material removal.