Diploma thesis is oriented at suspension of commercial vehicle and tractor cab. It describes current state-of-art suspension systems, methods of measuring and evaluating ride comfort. Developed multibody model of tractor is used to compare different suspension concepts and a sensitivity analysis of parameters related to ride comfort is made.

Constrained optimization is used to derive human postures and movements. In the first study a static 3D model with 30 muscle groups is used to analyse postures. The activation levels of these muscles are minimized in order to represent the individual's choice of posture. Subject specific data in terms of anthropometry, strength and orthopedic aids serve as input. The aim is to study effects from orthopedic treatment and altered abilities of the subject. Initial validation shows qualitative agreement of posture strategies but further details about passive stiffness and anthropometry are needed, especially to predict pelvis orientation. In the second application, the athletic long jump, a problem formulation is developed to find optimal movements of a multibody system when subjected to contact. The model was based on rigid links, joint actuators and a wobbling mass. The contact to the ground was modelled as a spring-damper system with tuned properties. The movement in the degrees of freedom representing physical joints was described over contact time through two fifth-order polynomials, with a variable transition time, while the motion in the degrees of freedom of contact and wobbling mass was integrated forwards in time, as a consequence. Muscle activation variables were then optimized in order to maximize ballistic flight distance. The optimization determined contact time, end configuration, activation and interaction with the ground from an initial configuration. The results from optimization show a reasonable agreement with experimentally recorded jumps, but individual recordings and measurements are needed for more precise conclusions.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Khakpour, Zahra M.S.M.E., Purdue University, May 2017. Multibody Dynamics Model of A Full Human Body For Simulating Walking, Major Professor: Hazim El-Mounayri. Bipedal robotics is a relatively new research area which is concerned with creating walking robots which have mobility and agility characteristics approaching those of humans. Also, in general, simulation of bipedal walking is important in many other applications such as: design and testing of orthopedic implants; testing human walking rehabilitation strategies and devices; design of equipment and facilities for human/robot use/interaction; design of sports equipment; and improving sports performance & reducing injury. One of the main technical challenges in that bipedal robotics area is developing a walking control strategy which results in a stable and balanced upright walking gait of the robot on level as well as non-level (sloped/rough) terrains. In this thesis the following aspects of the walking control strategy are developed and tested in a high-fidelity multibody dynamics model of a humanoid body model: 1. Kinematic design of a walking gait using cubic Hermite splines to specify the motion of the center of the foot. 2. Inverse kinematics to compute the legs joint angles necessary to generate the walking gait. 3. Inverse dynamics using rotary actuators at the joints with PD (Proportional-Derivative) controllers to control the motion of the leg links. The thee-dimensional multibody dynamics model is built using the DIS (Dynamic Interactions Simulator) code. It consists of 42 rigid bodies representing the legs, hip, spine, ribs, neck, arms, and head. The bodies are connected using 42 revolute joints with a rotational actuator along with a PD controller at each joint. A penalty normal contact force model along with a polygonal contact surface representing the bottom of each foot is used to model contact between the foot and the terrain. Friction is modeled using an asperity-based friction model which approximates Coulomb friction using a variable anchor-point spring in parallel with a velocity dependent friction law. In this thesis, it is assumed in the model that a balance controller already exists to ensure that the walking motion is balanced (i.e. that the robot does not tip over). A multi-body dynamic model of the full human body is developed and the controllers are designed to simulate the walking motion. This includes the design of the geometric model, development of the control system in kinematics approach, and the simulation setup.

his work deals with the methods of creating computational models for the analysis of the chain drive of camshafts in combustion engines. Methods are compared of the simulation of the drive mechanism; a new method is also presented for the simulation of the tensioning and guide bar by means of a modal reduction of an elastic body in the Multibody system. The work describes individual parts of the chain gear and the mathematical formulation of differential equations of motion. Algorithms are also indicated describing the mutual interaction of bodies in contact. Computations are here described for the determination of individual parameters necessary for setting up a chain drive model. The tensile characteristics of the chain is determined by the FEM programme. The chain model is analyzed in several alternatives of arrangement. FEM calculations are described here of the rigidity of contacts between the chain and the chain wheels and between the chain and the guide bars. The computational model has been created in the MSC ADAMS programme. The computation is carried out for a stabilized speed of the crankshaft of 3,000, 4,500 and 6,000 rpm and for a continuous start from the idle state up to the speed of 6,000 rpm with a constant load of the crankshafts by the torsion moment. Computation is also carried out for loading the crankshafts with a torsion moment deduced from the cam shape. The courses of the quantity obtained are processed by means of FFT; Campbell diagrams have been constructed for their evaluation. The results have been compared with the modal analyses of the individual parts of the chain gear for the determination of their mutual interaction.

Single degree-of-freedom hopping robots are typically modeled as spring loaded inverted pendulums (SLIPs). This simplified model, however, does not consider the overall leg geometry, consequently making it difficult to investigate the optimized inertial distribution of the leg for agile locomotion. To address this issue, the first part of this thesis establishes an accurate mathematical model of a DC-motor-driven, two-link hopping robot where the motors are modeled as torque sources. The equations of motion for the two distinct phases of locomotion (stance and flight) are derived using the Lagrangian approach for holonomic systems. A Simulink/Stateflow model is developed to numerically simulate the robot’s locomotion. The model is then validated with the simulation data from Simscape Multibody, which allows for accurate modeling of the environment and inertial properties for complex geometries. With the accurate model of the hopping robot, two distinct control strategies are adopted. The first strategy focuses on implementing position control while the robot is in flight to prepare for touchdown. The second control method explores implementing impedance control during stance, allowing the response to mimic that of a mass-spring-damper model. It was found that concentrating the mass of the robot in the hip allows the robot to attain larger apex heights as opposed to evenly distributing the mass throughout the leg. With plans to implement the leg on a quadruped robot, the mathematical model is easily expandable to 2 or 3 degrees-of-freedom. This allows for further stability analysis and development of control strategies of the leg.

Cascade Drives develops electromechanical linear actuators based on multiple pinions interacting with a gear rack. With a patented load sharing mechanism, that uses flexible torsional elements, the torque is equally distributed among the pinions. The same technology was used to develop an innovative wind turbine gearbox design for a Vestas V52 wind turbine, which is more compact and consists of less parts than the current solutions. In this thesis project, this gearbox design was analyzed through software tools, in order to verify its feasibility and refine its design for improvement. In the first part of this thesis, the gearbox was analyzed using Romax, a drivetrain analysis software. From this analysis, the gearbox’s gears, bearings, shafts and housing were assessed and some design refinements were done based on the results to improve the gearbox’s safety factors and life time. In the second part of this thesis, multibody dynamic (MBD) simulations were performed for the gearbox using MSC ADAMS, to study the dynamic response of the gearbox for three load cases of interest. An MBD model was created, which included the tooth contact flexibility and the flexibility of the torsional elements. Through these simulations, the flexible torsional elements’ stiffness was tuned in order to achieve an equal torque distribution among the gears for this application. Thus, the gearbox design was verified as a feasible solution for a Vestas V52 wind turbine. / Cascade Drives utvecklar elektromekaniska linjära ställdon baserade på flera pinjonger som interagerar med ett kuggrack. Med en patenterad lastdelningsmekanism som tillåter torsion, är vridmomentet lika fördelat mellan alla pinjonger. Samma teknik har använts för att utveckla en innovativ vindkraftväxellåda för ett Vestas V52 vindkraftverk, som är mer kompakt och består av färre delar än de nuvarande lösningarna. I denna avhandling analyserades denna växellådsdesign genom mjukvaruverktyg för att verifiera dess genomförbarhet och förfina dess design. I den första delen analyserades växellådan med Romax, en mjukvara för analys av drivlinor. Från denna analys utvärderades växellådans växlar, lager, axlar och hus och vissa konstruktionsförbättringar gjordes baserat på resultaten för att förbättra växellådans säkerhetsfaktorer och livslängd. I den andra delen utfördes multikroppsdynamiska (MBD) simuleringar för växellådan med MSC ADAMS, för att studera växellådans dynamiska svar för tre belastningsfall av intresse. En MBD -modell skapades, som inkluderade kuggkontaktflexibiliteten och lastfördelningselementens flexibilitet. Genom dessa simuleringar justerades styvheten för att uppnå en jämn vridmomentsfördelning mellan växlarna för applikationen. Växellådskonstruktionen verifierades således som en genomförbar lösning för ett Vestas V52 vindkraftverk.

This thesis presents a theoretical application of multibody dynamics with unilateral contact to model the interaction of the damping element in a freight train suspension, the friction wedge, with the bolster and the side frame. The objective of the proposed approach is to produce a stand-alone model that can better characterize the interaction between the bolster, the friction wedge, and the side frame subsystems. The new model allows the wedge four degrees of freedom: vertical displacement, longitudinal (between the bolster and the side frame) displacement, pitch (rotation about the lateral axis), and yaw (rotation about the vertical axis). The new model also allows for toe variation. The stand-alone model shows the capability of capturing dynamics of the wedge which were not possible to simulate using previous models. The inclusion of unilateral contact conditions is integral in quantifying the behavior during lift-off and the stick-slip phenomena. The resulting friction wedge model is a 3D, dynamic, stand-alone model of a bolster-friction wedge-side frame assembly. The new stand-alone model was validated through simulation using simple inputs. The dedicated train modeling software NUCARS® has been used to run simulations with similar inputs and to compare — when possible — the results with those obtained from the new stand-alone MATLAB friction wedge model. The stand-alone model shows improvement in capturing the transient dynamics of the wedge better. Also, it can predict not only normal forces going into the side frame and bolster, but also the associated moments. Significant simulation results are presented and the main differences between the current NUCARS® models and the new stand-alone MATLAB models are highlighted. / Master of Science

Previous work in the Railway Technology Laboratory at Virginia Tech focused on better capturing the dynamics of the friction wedge, modeled as a 3D rigid body. The current study extends that work to a half-truck model treated as an application of multibody dynamics with unilateral contact to model the friction wedge interactions with the bolster and the sideframe. The half-truck model created in MATLAB is a 3D, dynamic, multibody dynamics model comprised of four rigid bodies: a bolster, two friction wedges, and a sideframe assembly. The model allows each wedge four degrees of freedom: vertical displacement, longitudinal displacement (between the bolster and sideframe), pitch (rotation around the lateral axis), and yaw (rotation around the vertical axis). The bolster and the sideframe have only the vertical degree of freedom. The geometry of these bodies can be adjusted for various simulation scenarios. The bolster can be initialized with a pre-defined yaw (rotation around the vertical axis) and the sideframe may be initialized with a pre-defined pitch/toe (rotation around the lateral axis). The multibody dynamics half-truck model simulation results have been compared with results from NUCARS®, an industry standard train modeling software, for similar inputs. The multibody dynamics models have also been extended to a variably damped full-truck model and a variably damped half-truck warping model. These models were reformulated to react dynamically to simulated truck warp inputs. The ability to better characterize truck warping properties can prevent train roll over and derailments from truck hunting. In a quarter-truck variably damped configuration the effects of a curved wedge surface has also been explored. Actual friction wedges have surfaces which are slightly curved, this iteration in the multibody dynamics friction wedge modeling attempts to draw one step closer to actual friction wedge geometry. This model lays the ground work for a contact dependant wedge wearing model based on material properties and tribology. / Master of Science

The object of this master thesis is testing of vehicle using four post rig. The main goal is to make a research about testing and tuning vehicle characteristics on four post rig in order to implement them for testing of TU Brno Racing’s Formula Student racecar. The main method of testing, input signals and measurement description are presented in this thesis. The different methods of analysis of testing data to find best tuning of damper and spring stiffness for different race disciplines are described. In the last part of this work, quarter car model and multibody model in MSC Adams Car is created. Input parameters of model are based on measurements from real car/ component testing, including damper characteristics and static tire radial stiffness for best fit with the characteristics of real vehicle. The measurements themselves were also described in separate chapter of this thesis. The last but not the least goal was to compare these simulations with measurements, made od real four post rig in order to decide whether car model is suitable for racecar development.

The thesis focuses on the shifting mechanisms of manually shifted tractor transmissions. It provides a comprehensive overview of all significant structural nodes of the shift mechanism with an analysis of the influence of the structure on the resulting intensity of a force required for shifting. The main aim of this thesis is the design and validation of experimental equipment for measuring the force effects of the shift mechanism of a mass-produced tractor in actual operation. The design of the experimental equipment is based on a study of the used measuring technique and similar experimental equipment. The final structure is selected based on selection by the method of weighted values, taking into consideration the requirements of the structure. A functional measuring chain is designed and formed for the realization of the measurement. To evaluate the data from the technical experiment, a multibody model of the designed experimental device is created in the MSC Adams View software, through which the real parameters of the shift mechanism are obtained from the measured values. The designed experimental equipment brings the possibility of complete analysis and subsequent optimization of the tractor's shift mechanism