COMPONENT MODE SYNTHESIS - A method for efficient dynamic simulation of complex technical systems

VISP MMK 2 SUMMARY The finite element (FE) method is a general method to model and simulate the physical behavior of bodies with arbitrary shape. There is a desire to create and use FE models early in the design process as well as to use the method detailing of complex artifacts. Modeling of the dynamic behavior of a multi-body system (MBS) is characterized by a composition of rigid bodies, interconnected by joints, springs, dampers, and actuators. The FE method is not directly scalable and MBS modeling is often based on too crude approximations of the properties of the bodies and their interaction. An obvious solution to this dilemma is to integrate FE and MBS technology in a new type of software or to allow condensed elastic submodels to be easily transferred from FE to MBS software and dynamic loads to be transferred from MBS to FE software. Different condensation methods have been developed in the last decades. They are basically complementary. Three condensation methods are explained, exemplified, and compared below. The technique currently used in the MBS software ADAMS to define flexible bodies from imported condensed FE models is also briefly described and discussed. The goal of VISP is to develop an efficient, flexible and industry relevant modeling and simulation methodology, and an information framework aiding integrated realization of customized, modular products-and product-program configured production systems.