7​. Outlook

C​ongratulations, you have completed the "Getting Started with Multibody Dynamics" course!

Competencies covered by this course

MBDYkn9 - List the joint types commonly available in Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis Systems
MBDYkn11 - List the analysis types commonly available in Multi-body Dynamic Analysis Systems
MBDYkn13 - Briefly review the various solver technologies available for Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis
MBDYkn14 - List various commercially available Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis Systems
MBDYkn15 - Describe other kinds of CAE software may interface with a Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis System
MBDYkn16 - List various industrial applications of Multi-Body Dynamic Analysis
MBDYco5 - Describe 3 commonly used joints and the number of DOFs constrained in each case
MBDYco16 - Outline briefly the use of FEA substructures to model flexible bodies in a multi-body analysis, and the assumptions and limitations
MBDYco17 - Describe the Component Mode Synthesis method for modelling flexible bodies
MBDYap7 - Utilise post-processing facilities and graphics to convey results effectively
MBDYsy1 - Formulate simple benchmark analyses in support of multi-body studies

Y​ou can view the full range of PSE Multibody Dynamics Competencies in the NAFEMS PSE Tracker.

Relevant resources

W​hy Do Multi-body System Simulation

NAFEMS Publication by R. Rampalli, G Ferrarotti and M Hoffmann, e-Library download

Increased global competition is forcing manufacturers to reduce product development time while simultaneously increasing product quality, improving product innovation, and minimizing development risks. To meet these needs, manufacturers are now replacing many tasks once done exclusively through hardware testing with physics-based simulation tools such as Multi-Body Simulation (MBS)

MBS uses the power of a computer to design, evaluate, and refine complex systems using sophisticated mathematical modeling and solution tools. It is a companion to, and a replacement for, the traditional process of refining products using hardware prototypes. This introductory volume explains MBS technology and its usage in industry

Finite Element Analysis for Engineers - A Primer

NAFEMS Publication by T. Hellen and A. Becker, e-Library download

The book primarily focuses on the application of the finite element method to structural mechanics in solids, introducing more complex topics through dedicated chapters. It discusses the fundamentals and mathematical derivations behind various finite element developments to help readers understand their implications and manage potential errors. Basic knowledge of applied mechanics and mathematical processes is assumed.

The book is divided into three parts where the first part focuses on the basis of the finite element method in stress analysis, the second part tackles practical aspects such as meshing and testing, and the third part explores further applications of the method in thermal, dynamic and non-linear behavior.

Further training

F​undamentals of Multibody Dynamics Simulation Understanding Solid Mechanics: Stress Analysis ApproachesOnline course by Patrick Morelle

This 3-session, live online course explains what you need to know to perform Multibody Simulation Analysis of systems and mechanisms.

By attending, you will learn about the theoretical, numerical, and methodological background which will allow you to build your first Multibody Dynamic (MBD) models, and then progress to more complex ones. Examples are discussed in detail allowing you to understand not only model construction but how and why a given model has been built that way. The examples used will help illustrate the use of multiple commercial MBD software packages as concrete examples of applications of existing commercial technology.