Dynamic simulation of frictional contacts of thin beams during large overall motions via absolute nodal coordinate formulation

The aim of this study is to develop an approach of simulating the frictional contact dynamics of thin beams with large deformations and continuous contact zones of large size during their large overall motions. For this purpose, the thin beams are meshed via initially straight and gradient deficient thin beam elements of the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) degenerated from a curved beam element of ANCF. A detection strategy for contact zone is proposed based on the combination of the minimal distance criterion and master-slave approach. By making use of the minimal distance criterion, the closest points of two thin beams can be found efficiently. The master-slave approach is employed to determine the continuous contact zone. The generalized frictional contact forces and their Jacobians are derived based on the principle of virtual work. Gauss integration is used to integrate the contact forces over the continuous contact zone. The generalized-alpha method is used to solve the dynamic equations of contacting beams. Numerical simulations of four static and dynamic contact problems, including those with continuous contact zones of large size, are completed to validate the high performance of the approach.     

Simulation of planar flexible multibody systems with clearance and lubricated revolute joints

Modeling of clearance joints plays an important role in the analysis and design of multibody mechanical systems. Based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), a new computational methodology for modeling and analysis of planar flexible multibody systems with clearance and lubricated revolute joints is presented. A planar absolute nodal coordinate formulation based on the locking-free shear deformable beam element is implemented to discretize the flexible bodies. A continuous contact-impact model is used to evaluate the contact force, in which energy dissipation in the form of hysteresis damping is considered. A force transition model from hydrodynamic lubrication forces to dry contact forces is introduced to ensure continuity in the joint reaction force. A comprehensive study with different lubrication force models has also been carried out. The generalized-α method is used to solve the equations of motion and several efficient methods are incorporated in the proposed model. Finally, the methodology is validated by two numerical examples.     

完备化ANCF薄板单元及在钢板弹簧动力学建模中的应用

绝对节点坐标方法已在多体系统动力学研究中广泛应用, 但常用来描述板壳类结构的薄板单元, 由于梯度不完备而无法直接用于带有初始弯曲参考构型的柔性体变形描述. 为避免全参数板单元建立车辆钢板弹簧模型时存在的严重截面闭锁问题, 拟采用薄板单元用于板簧建模. 为此, 探索了将现有绝对节点坐标薄板单元纳入一般连续介质力学弹性力表达的方法, 采用中面上单位法向量作为单元厚度方向的梯度向量, 从而得到了完备化的薄板单元及其描述初始弯曲构型时消除初应变的方法. 在此基础上通过定义簧片的未变形构型, 在钢板弹簧中引入可控的预应力, 实现对钢板弹簧装配过程的准确模拟. 通过数值算例验证了本方法的正确性. 建立了车辆钢板弹簧模型, 通过建立在簧片上的局部坐标系实现接触点的跨单元搜索, 并采用惩罚函数法和平滑化的库伦摩擦模型施加簧片间的接触力. 引入参考节点的概念建立了整合车身与吊耳及其机构运动关系的刚柔耦合模型.}}      

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SPINNING DEPLOYMENT OF A SOLAR SAIL COMPOSED OF VISCOELASTIC MEMBRANES

近年来, 可用于航天器推进的太阳帆自旋展开技术引起人们广泛关注. 这类太阳帆可视为由中心旋转毂轮、若干柔性绳索、太阳帆薄膜和集中质量等组成的刚柔耦合多体系统.为了对系统中的太阳帆薄膜进行建模, 提出了基于绝对节点坐标方法描述的黏弹性薄板单元, 并对其有效性进行了验证.针对简化的"IKAROS"自旋展开太阳帆系统, 采用结合自然坐标方法与绝对节点坐标方法的绝对坐标方法对其进行建模, 采用广义-α方法对大规模系统动力学方程进行求解.研究了黏弹性太阳帆薄膜自旋展开过程的动力学特性, 讨论了薄膜的黏弹性阻尼对自旋展开过程的影响规律.     

Numerical investigation of the slope discontinuities in large deformation finite element formulations

In many multibody system applications, the system components are made of structural elements that can have different orientations, leading to slope discontinuities. In this paper, a numerical investigation of a new procedure that can be used to model structures with slope discontinuities in the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is presented. This procedure can be applied to model slope discontinuities in the case of commutative rotations of gradient deficient elements that are used for modeling thin beam and plate structures. An important special case to which the proposed procedure can be applied is the case of all planar gradient deficient ANCF finite elements. The use of the proposed method leads to a constant orthogonal element transformation that describes an arbitrary initial configuration. As a consequence, one obtains, in the case of large commutative rotations and large deformations, a constant mass matrix for structures which have complex geometry. The procedure used in this investigation to model slope discontinuities requires the use of the concept of the intermediate finite element coordinate system. For each finite element, a new set of gradient coordinates that define, at the discontinuity node, the element deformation with respect to the intermediate element coordinate system is introduced. These new gradient coordinates are assumed to be equal for the two finite elements at the point of intersection. That is, the change of the gradients of two elements at the intersection point from their respective intermediate initial reference configuration is assumed to be the same. This procedure leads to a set of linear algebraic equations that define the orthogonal transformation matrix for the finite element. Numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the proposed procedure for modeling slope discontinuities.     

Modeling Method and Application of Rational Finite Element Based on Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

In multibody system dynamics, the absolute nodal coordinate formulation(ANCF)uses power functions as interpolating polynomials to describe the displacement field. It can get accurate results for flexible bodies that undergo large deformation and large rotation. However, the power functions are irrational representation which cannot describe the complex shapes precisely, especially for circular and conic sections. Different from the ANCF representation,the rational absolute nodal coordinate formulation(RANCF) utilizes rational basis functions to describe geometric shapes, which allows the accurate representation of complicated displacement and deformation in dynamics modeling. In this paper, the relationships between the rational surface and volume and the RANCF finite element are provided, and the generalized transformation matrices are established correspondingly. Using these transformation matrices, a new four-node three-dimensional RANCF plate element and a new eight-node three-dimensional RANCF solid element are proposed based on the RANCF. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed elements. It is shown that the proposed elements can depict the geometric characteristics and structure configurations precisely, and lead to better convergence in comparison with the ANCF finite elements for the dynamic analysis of flexible bodies.     

基于绝对节点坐标法的弹性线方法研究

相比于浮动坐标系法, 绝对节点坐标法(absolute nodal coordinateformulation, ANCF)在处理柔性体非线性大变形问题上具有显著优势,ANCF将单元节点坐标定义在全局坐标系下,采用斜率矢量代替节点转角坐标, 具有常数质量阵,不存在科氏离心力等优点, 然而弹性力阵为非线性项,其求解将比较耗时且占用资源. 据此, 在弹性力求解方法中,引入弹性线方法(elastic line method, ELM),该方法将格林--拉格朗日应变张量定义在中心线上,采用曲率公式来定义弯曲应变, 转角公式来定义扭转应变.同时采用有限元法对三维柔性梁位移场进行离散,求解梁单元常数质量阵、广义刚度阵、广义力阵,进而得到单元的动力学方程, 通过转换矩阵得到三维梁的动力学方程.接着从理论上指出连续介质力学方法(continuum mechanics method,CMM)和弹性线方法在求解弹性力上的不同点, 并编制动力学仿真软件.最后分别采用连续介质力学方法和弹性线方法对柔性单摆以及履带式车辆的动力学问题进行仿真分析,结果表明:弹性线方法能在保证精度的前提下有效提高计算效率.      

ANCF/CRBF平面梁闭锁问题及闭锁缓解研究

本文系统地研究了基于一致旋转场列式的绝对节点坐标 (ANCF consistentrotation-based formulation, ANCF/CRBF)平面梁单元的泊松闭锁问题及闭锁缓解技术.为了全面理解该类型单元的闭锁特性及明确单元的应用范围,文中首先开发了两种新的ANCF/CRBF刚性截面梁单元, 新单元在ANCF全参数梁的基础上,对梯度向量施加正交矩阵约束, 得到梯度与转角对时间导数之间的速度转换矩阵,从而引入转角参数. 新单元节点处完全消除了泊松闭锁和剪切效应,这是与传统ANCF/CRBF刚性截面梁单元的不同之处. 然后,对比分析了这三种ANCF/CRBF刚性截面梁单元泊松闭锁的特点.发现该类型单元对节点的横向梯度施加了运动学约束, 导致节点处截面不能变形,无法捕捉泊松效应, 但是单元内部能完全捕捉,这种不连续情况会加重单元整体的泊松闭锁问题. 并且发现对单元梯度约束的越多,闭锁问题越严重. 随后, 分别采用两种闭锁缓解技术, 弹性线方法和应变分解方法,进一步研究了单元的收敛性. 最终,通过多种静力学和动力学测试研究了泊松闭锁对ANCF/CRBF平面梁单元计算精度的影响及闭锁缓解技术在该类型单元上的缓解效果.      

A new nonlinear multibody/finite element formulation for knee joint ligaments

The focus of this investigation is to study the mechanics of the human knee using a new method that integrates multibody system and large deformation finite element algorithms. The major bones in the knee joint consisting of the femur, tibia, and fibula are modeled as rigid bodies. The ligaments structures are modeled using the large displacement finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) with an implementation of a Neo-Hookean constitutive model that allows for large change in the configuration as experienced in knee flexion, extension, and rotation. The Neo-Hookean strain energy function used in this study takes into consideration the near incompressibility of the ligaments. The ANCF is used in the formulation of the algebraic equations that define the ligament/bone rigid connection. A unique feature of the ANCF model developed in this investigation is that it captures the deformation of the ligament cross section using structural finite elements such as beams. At the ligament/bone insertion site, the ANCF is used to define a fully constrained joint. This model will reflect the fact that the geometry, placement and attachment of the two collateral ligaments (the LCL and MCL), are significantly different from what has been used in most knee models developed in previous investigations. The approach described in this paper will provide a more realistic model of the knee and thus more applicable to future research studies on ligaments, muscles and soft tissues (LMST). Current finite element models are limited due to simplified assumptions for the spatial and time dependent material properties inherent in the anisotropic and anatomic constraints associated with joint stability, and the static conditions inherent in the analysis. The ANCF analysis is not limited to static conditions and results in a fully dynamic model that accounts for the distributed inertia and elasticity of the ligaments. The results obtained in this investigation show that the ANCF finite elements can be an effective tool for modeling very flexible structures like ligaments subjected to large flexion and extension. In the future, the more realistic ANCF models could assist in examining the mechanics of the knee to study knee injuries and possible prevention means, as well as an improved understanding of the role of each individual ligament in the diagnosis and assessment of disease states, aging and potential therapies.     

Use of B-spline surface to model large-deformation continuum plates: procedure and applications

The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) has been used in the analysis of large deformation of flexible multibody systems that encompass belt drive, rotor blade, and cable applications. As demonstrated in the literature, the ANCF finite elements are ideal for isogeometric analysis. The purpose of this investigation is to establish a relationship between the B-splines, which are widely used in the geometric modeling, and the ANCF finite elements in order to construct continuum models of large-deformation geometries. This paper proposes a simplified approach to map the B-spline surfaces into ANCF thin plate elements. Matrix representation of the mapping process is established and examined through numerical examples successfully. The matrix representation of the mapping process is used because of its suitability of computer coding and to minimize the calculation time. The error estimation is carried out by analyzing the gap between the points of each ANCF element and the corresponding points of the portion of the B-spline surface. The Hausdorff distance is used to study the effect of the number of control points, the degree of interpolation, and the knot multiplicity on the mapped geometry. It is found that cubic interpolation is recommended for optimizing the accuracy of mapping the B-spline surface to ANCF thin plate elements. It is found that thin plate element in ANCF missing a number of basis functions which considered a source of error between the two surfaces, as well as it does not allow to converting the ANCF thin plate elements model to B-spline surface. In this investigation, an application example of modeling large-size wind turbine blade with uniform structure is illustrated. The use of the continuum plate elements in modeling flexible blades is more efficient because of the relative scale between the plate thickness and its length and width and the high flexibility of its structure. The numerical results are compared with the results of ANSYS code with a good agreement. The dynamic simulation for mapped surface model shows a numerical convergence, which ensures the ability of using the proposed approach for applications of dynamics for design and computer-aided design.     

两类基于局部标架梁单元的闭锁缓解方法

对于大转动、大变形柔性体的刚柔耦合动力学问题,基于李群SE(3)局部标架(local frame formulation,LFF)的建模方法能够规避刚体运动带来的几何非线性问题,离散数值模型中广义质量矩阵与切线刚度矩阵满足刚体变换的不变性,可明显地提高柔性多体系统动力学问题的计算效率.有限元方法中,闭锁问题是导致单元收...     

An improved dynamic model for a silicone material beam with large deformation

Dynamic modeling for incompressible hyperelastic materials with large deformation is an important issue in biomimetic applications. The previously proposed lower-order fully parameterized absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) beam element employs cubic interpolation in the longitudinal direction and linear interpolation in the transverse direction, whereas it cannot accurately describe the large bending deformation. On this account, a novel modeling method for studying the dynamic behavior of nonlinear materials is proposed in this paper. In this formulation, a higher-order beam element characterized by quadratic interpolation in the transverse directions is used in this investigation. Based on the Yeoh model and volumetric energy penalty function, the nonlinear elastic force matrices are derived within the ANCF framework. The feasibility and availability of the Yeoh model are verified through static experiment of nonlinear incompressible materials. Furthermore, dynamic simulation of a silicone cantilever beam under the gravity force is implemented to validate the superiority of the higher-order beam element. The simulation results obtained based on the Yeoh model by employing three different ANCF beam elements are compared with the result achieved from a commercial finite element package as the reference result. It is found that the results acquired utilizing a higher-order beam element are in good agreement with the reference results, while the results obtained using a lower-order beam element are different from the reference results. In addition, the stiffening problem caused by volumetric locking can be resolved effectively by applying a higher-order beam element. It is concluded that the proposed higher-order beam element formulation has satisfying accuracy in simulating dynamic motion process of the silicone beam.     

柔性对多体系统中铰接副磨损的影响

通过集成柔性多体动力学与磨损计算程序,提出了一种用于对柔性多体系统中间隙铰接副部位的磨损进行了预测的方法.基于绝对节点坐标方法(ANCF)建立了柔性部件的多体动力学模型,引入Lankanrani和Nikravesh提出的连续接触力模型计算间隙铰接副部分的法向接触力,采用Lu Gre摩擦模型计算切向摩擦力,并利用基于Archard模型的迭代计算程序计算磨损.为了提高计算效率,引入了并行计算策略.最后,通过对一个含柔性连杆的曲柄滑块机构机构进行仿真计算,发现当考虑部件的柔性时,得到的间隙处的冲击力会大幅降低,预测的磨损量也随之降低,并且随着机构柔性的增强,这种效果更为明显.     

A piecewise beam element based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation

The element created in this investigation is based on the it absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) which has been successfully used in flexible multibody system dynamic and integration of computer aid design and analysis (ICADA). When modeling a B-spline curve with ANCF beam element, it is the common manner to convert this curve into a series of Bézier curves because the systematical conversion between ANCF beam element and a Bézier curve has already been built. In order to avoid the constrain equation produced in this method and to express a B-spline curve using only one element, an alternative approach is developed, leading to the piecewise ANCF (PANCF) beam element. It is demonstrated that when two ANCF beam elements are connected according to a particular continuity, they can constitute a PANCF element. Besides, a new PANCF element will be produced when an ANCF element is connected to an existing PANCF element. The continuity condition can be automatically ensured by the selection of nodal coordinates and the calculation of the piecewise continuous shape functions. The algorithm for converting a B-spline curve to a PANCF beam element is then given. There also are discussions on the features of PANCF element. When two neighboring segments of PANCF element have the same assumed length, the position vector at the interface cannot be expressed by the other coordinates so the position vector is preserved in the \(C^{2}\) continuous situation. Two examples are given to conclude the interpolation and continuity properties of the shape function and to demonstrate the feasibility of this PANCF in the ICADA.     

A new curved gradient deficient shell element of absolute nodal coordinate formulation for modeling thin shell structures

A curved gradient deficient shell element for the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) is proposed for modeling initially thin curved structures. Unlike the fully parameterized elements of ANCF, a full mapping of the gradient vectors between different configurations is not available for gradient deficient elements, therefore it is cumbersome to work in a rectangular coordinate system for an initially curved element. In this study, a curvilinear coordinate system is adopted as the undeformed Lagrangian coordinates, and the Green–Lagrange strain tensor with respect to the curvilinear frame is utilized to characterize the deformation energy of the shell element. As a result, the strain due to the initially curved element shape is eliminated naturally, and the element formulation is obtained in a concise mathematical form with a clear physical interpretation. For thin structures, the simplified formulations for the evaluation of elastic forces are also given. Moreover, an approach to deal with the on-surface slope discontinuity is also proposed for modeling general curved shell structures. Finally, the developed element of ANCF is validated by several numerical examples.     

New spatial curved beam and cylindrical shell elements of gradient-deficient Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

Based on previous studies, a new spatial curved slender-beam finite element and a new cylindrical shell finite element are proposed in the frame of gradient-deficient Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF). The strain energy of the beam element is derived by using the definition of the Green?CLagrange strain tensor in continuum mechanics so that the assumption on small strain can be relaxed. By using the differential geometry and the continuum mechanics, the angle between two base vectors of a defined local coordinate frame of the cylindrical shell element is introduced into the strain energy formulations. Therefore, the new shell element can be used to model parallelogram shells. The analytical formulations of elastic forces and their Jacobian for the above two finite elements of gradient-deficient ANCF are also derived via the skills of tensor analysis. The generalized-alpha method is used to solve the huge set of system equations. Finally, four case studies including both static and dynamic problems are given to validate the proposed beam and cylindrical shell elements of gradient-deficient ANCF.     

柔性多体系统中间隙铰接副的磨损预测

通过集成磨损计算与柔性多体动力学,对柔性系统中间隙铰接副部位的磨损进行了预测.基于绝对节点坐标方法（ANCF）建立了柔性部件的多体动力学模型,引入连续接触力模型计算间隙铰接副部分的接触力,并采用Archard磨损模型的迭代磨损计算程序预测磨损.为了得到在不同接触情况下的磨损系数,本文中采用了径向基神经网络处理试验数据.通过对含柔性连杆的曲柄滑块机构进行仿真计算,发现当考虑部件的柔性时,得到的间隙处的冲击力大幅降低,且预测的磨损量也略有降低,这种区别会随着仿真时间的增加而变得更加明显.     

Topology optimization of a flexible multibody system with variable-length bodies described by ALE–ANCF

Recent years have witnessed the application of topology optimization to flexible multibody systems (FMBS) so as to enhance their dynamic performances. In this study, an explicit topology optimization approach is proposed for an FMBS with variable-length bodies via the moving morphable components (MMC). Using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation, the thin plate elements of the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) are used to describe the platelike bodies with variable length. For the thin plate element of ALE–ANCF, the elastic force and additional inertial force, as well as their Jacobians, are analytically deduced. In order to account for the variable design domain, the sets of equivalent static loads are reanalyzed by introducing the actual and virtual design domains so as to transform the topology optimization problem of dynamic response into a static one. Finally, the novel MMC-based topology optimization method is employed to solve the corresponding static topology optimization problem by explicitly evolving the shapes and orientations of a set of structural components. The effect of the minimum feature size on the optimization of an FMBS is studied. Three numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy of the thin plate element of ALE–ANCF and the efficiency of the proposed topology optimization approach, respectively.