This book contains the edited version of the lectures presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on computer-aided analysis of rigid and flexible mechanical systems, held in Troacuteia, Portugal, from June 27-July 9, 1993. The topics presented include formulations and numerical aspects of rigid and flexible multibody dynamics, object-oriented paradigms, optimal design and synthesis, robotics, kinematics, path planning, control, impact dynamics and aspects of application. The book discusses these topics in a tutorial and review manner, providing a comprehensive summary of current work. It should, therefore, be suitable for a range of readers, from advanced students to researchers and implementers.

This volume contains the edited version of selected papers presented at the Nato Advanced Study Institute on "Computer Aided Analysis of Rigid and Flexible Mechanical Systems," held in Portugal, from the 27 June to 9 July, 1994. The present volume can be viewed as a natural extension of the material addressed in the Institute which was published by KLUWER in the NATO ASI Series, Vol. 268, in 1994. The requirements for accurate and efficient analysis tools for design of large and lightweight mechanical systems has driven a strong interest in the challenging problem of multibody dynamics. The development of new analysis and design formulations for multi body systems has been more recently motivated with the need to include general features such as: real-time simulation capabilities, active control of machine flexibilities and advanced numerical methods related to time integration of the dynamic systems equations. In addition to the presentation of some basic formulations and methodologies in dynamics of multibody systems, including computational aspects, major applications of developments to date are presented herein. The scope of applications is extended to vehicle dynamics, aerospace technology, robotics, mechanisms design, intermittent motion and crashworthiness analysis. Several of these applications are explored by many contributors with a constant objective to pace development and improve the dynamic performance of mechanical systems avoiding different mechanical limitations and difficult functional requirements, such as, for example, accurate positioning of manipulators.

A systematic treatment of current crashworthiness practice in the automotive, railroad and aircraft industries. Structural, exterior and interior design, occupant biomechanics, seat and restraint systems are dealt with, taking account of statistical data, current regulations and state-of-the-art design tool capabilities. Occupant kinematics and biomechanics are reviewed, leading to a basic understanding of human tolerance to impact and of the use of anthropometric test dummies and mathematical modelling techniques. Different types of restraining systems are described in terms of impact biomechanics. The material and structural behaviour of vehicle components is discussed in relation to crash testing. A variety of commonly used techniques for simulating occupants and structures are presented, in particular the use of multibody dynamics, finite element methods and simplified macro-elements, in the context of design tools of increasing complexity, which can be used to model both vehicles and occupants. Audience: An excellent reference for researchers, engineers, students and all other professionals involved in crashworthiness work.

This book contains the edited version of the lectures presented at the NATO ADVANCED STUDY INSTITUTE on "COMPUTER AIDED ANALYSIS OF RIGID AND FLEXIBLE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS." held in Troia. Portugal. from the 27 June to 9 July. 1993. and organized by the Instituto de Engenharia Mecanica. Instituto Superior Tecnico. This ASI addressed the state-of-art in the field of multibody dynamics. which is now a well developed subject with a great variety of formalisms. methods and principles. Ninety five participants. from twenty countries. representing academia. industry. government and research institutions attended this Institute. This contributed greatly to the success of the Institute since it encouraged the interchange of experiences between leading scientists and young scholars and promoted discussions that helped to generate new ideas and to defme directions of research and future developments. The full program of the Institute included also contributed presentations made by participants where different topics have been explored. Such topics include: formulations and numerical aspects in rigid and flexible mechanical systems; object-oriented paradigms; optimal design and synthesis; robotics; kinematics; path planning; control; impact dynamics; and several application oriented developments in weapon systems. vehicles and crash worthiness. These papers have been revised and will be published by Kluwer in a special issue of the Journal of Nonlinear Dynamics and in a forthcoming companion book. This book brings together. in a tutorial and review manner. a comprehensive summary of current work and is therefore suitable for a wide range of interests.

This volume contains the edited version of selected papers presented at the Nato Advanced Study Institute on "Computer Aided Analysis of Rigid and Flexible Mechanical Systems," held in Portugal, from the 27 June to 9 July, 1994. The present volume can be viewed as a natural extension of the material addressed in the Institute which was published by KLUWER in the NATO ASI Series, Vol. 268, in 1994. The requirements for accurate and efficient analysis tools for design of large and lightweight mechanical systems has driven a strong interest in the challenging problem of multibody dynamics. The development of new analysis and design formulations for multi body systems has been more recently motivated with the need to include general features such as: real-time simulation capabilities, active control of machine flexibilities and advanced numerical methods related to time integration of the dynamic systems equations. In addition to the presentation of some basic formulations and methodologies in dynamics of multibody systems, including computational aspects, major applications of developments to date are presented herein. The scope of applications is extended to vehicle dynamics, aerospace technology, robotics, mechanisms design, intermittent motion and crashworthiness analysis. Several of these applications are explored by many contributors with a constant objective to pace development and improve the dynamic performance of mechanical systems avoiding different mechanical limitations and difficult functional requirements, such as, for example, accurate positioning of manipulators.