This conference paper was submitted for presentation at the NAFEMS World Congress 2025, held in Salzburg, Austria from May 19–22, 2025.

Abstract

Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) is a technology used to analyze assemblies in motion, widely applied across numerous industries to study systems such as ground vehicles, aircraft, robots, and other mobile devices with intricately connected components. Initially founded on the assumption of rigid bodies to simplify governing equations, MBD has evolved to incorporate various physical phenomena, improving simulation accuracy and better reflecting real-world behaviors. This paper discusses the advancements in modern MBD, focusing on the integration of Finite Element (FE) methods with MBD simulations, particularly in cases involving large deformations and contacts between flexible and rigid bodies. With engineering systems becoming increasingly complex, the need for accurate modeling and simulation techniques has grown significantly. Traditional MBD methods, while effective for analyzing rigid body dynamics, often struggle to accurately capture the complex behaviors resulting from the deformations of flexible components under diverse loading conditions, especially when nonlinear behaviors such as contacts are involved. The coupling of FE methods with MBD enables a more comprehensive analysis by incorporating material properties and nonlinear behaviors. This integrated approach allows engineers to simulate real-world conditions with greater accuracy, leading to improved predictions of system performance. The paper presents several case studies demonstrating the application of FE-MBD coupled dynamic simulations and static simulations in complex mechanical systems, such as vehicle suspension systems and robotics. Additionally, the paper explores the coupling of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with MBD, highlighting relevant case studies. Many mechanical systems interact with fluids like lubricants or water, which means they need to deal with problems like oil churning, liquid splashing, or water getting into parts. Recent advancements have enabled the simulation and analysis of these challenges using combined MBD and CFD techniques. In particular, this coupled analysis can incorporate flexible bodies, allowing for the consideration of deformation and stress induced by fluid interactions. This capability enables the simulation and verification of processes such as fluid pouch filling. In conclusion, integrating FE analysis with MBD marks a significant advancement in engineering simulation. By focusing on large deformations and contact interactions, this coupled approach enhances simulation fidelity and provides valuable insights that drive innovation in design and analysis. The paper highlights the ongoing development and application of these multiphysics techniques based on Multi-Body Dynamics to meet the evolving demands of complex engineering systems.