Implementation of 3-D isoparametric finite elements on supercomputer for the formulation of recursive dynamical equations of multi-body systems

Kinematic formulation of the versatile three-dimensional isoparametric eight-noded brick element with six degrees of freedom at each node (three-translational and three-rotational), suitable for the discretization of flexible bodies with intricate geometric configurations, has been developed and implemented on the supercomputer IBM-3090 for the simulation of dynamical mechanical systems. The pipelining feature of the above vector-processor has been exploited for achieving a significant order of magnitude in computational efficiency. The concepts of indexed reference arrays have been utilised in the development of dynamical equations of motion, eliminating expensive Boolean matrix multiplication operations. The algorithm developed is an improvement and extension of 7], with the implementation of the brick element formulation. The recursive Kane's equations, modal analysis technique and strain energy principles are integrated into the procedure. The above technique is also applied to the constrained multi-body systems. An illustrative example of an spin-up maneuver of a space robot with three flexible links carrying a solar panel is presented. The prediction of dynamic behaviour of the system is carried out under a constrained environment and the effects of geometric stiffening and its subsequent restoring elastic forces are demonstrated.