Introduction to Mechanical System Simulation Using Adams

James B. McConville

• Publisher: SDC Publications
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9781585039883
• eBook ISBN: 9781585039883
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: CAD-CAM
• Index: Computer Science

• Developed for readers who have little or no experience with multibody dynamics
• Introduces you to the basics of how Adams models are formulated and then numerically solved
• Features relatively small examples that are easy to build and execute
• Provides a practical introduction to Adams that's designed to complement the documentation

This book is intended to familiarize you with the basics of theory and practice in Adams Multibody Dynamics (MBD) modeling. The content has been developed to be beneficial to readers who are students or practicing engineers who are either completely new to MBD modeling or have some experience with MBD modeling.

The author's lengthy experience using the Adams software adds a practical and, occasionally, humorous complement to standard documentation and training materials, intended to benefit you while learning Adams.

The book features relatively small examples which you can readily build and execute. This book contains an introduction to Adams theory which provides the basics on how Adams models are formulated and then numerically solved. Finally, this book concludes with some success stories taken from industry.

About Adams

Adams helps engineers to study the dynamics of moving parts, as well as how loads and forces are distributed throughout mechanical systems. Adams improves engineering efficiency and reduces product development costs by enabling early system-level design validation. Engineers can evaluate and manage the complex interactions between disciplines including motion, structures, actuation, and controls to better optimize product designs for performance, safety, and comfort.

Multibody Dynamics (MBD) is characterized most of all by its ability to efficiently deal with appreciable motion. Such motion, and especially rotational motion, tends to be highly nonlinear in the spatial sense. Compounding this are effects which vary nonlinearly with time. Thus, all aspects of an MBD problem are usually mathematically very nonlinear. This is where Adams shines. It is specifically designed to deal efficiently with these nonlinearities.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Dedication
• Introduction
• The Significance of Large Motion
• The Intent and Scope of This Book
• Acknowledgements
• An Example to Come
• Elementary Adams Theory
• Basic Formulations
• Elementary Overview of Solution Approaches
• Problem Attributes
• The Pendulum in Theory
• The 3D Pendulum in Adams
• Some Example Problems
• Version 1 – Redundant but Consistent Constraints
• Version 2 – Motion into a Non-Solvable State
• Version 3 – Motion-Dependent Changes in DOF Count
• Version 4 – Redundant and Inconsistent Constraints
• Model Connectivity (Gruebler Count)
• Bucket Load Modeling
• Conversion to Flexible Boom
• Flexible/Rigid Results Comparison
• Example 3 -- Automotive Differential (Adams/Machinery Model)
• Some Further Notes on ADAMS Solvers
• Some Historical Successes
• Concluding Comments
• Appendix I – Principal Adams Modeling Elements
• Body Types
• Restraints (Force-Based Modeling Entities)
• Constraint Types
• User-Defined Elements
• Function Expressions
• Special Elements
• References
• Obtaining Supplemental Files.pdf
• Blank Page