Theoretical modeling and numerical solution methods for flexible multibody system dynamics

Flexible multibody system dynamics (MSD) is one of the hot spots and difficulties in modern mechanics. It provides a powerful theoretical tool and technical support for dynamic performance evaluation and optimization design of a large number of complex systems in many engineering fields, such as machinery, aviation, aerospace, weapon, robot and biological engineering. How to find an efficient accurate dynamics modeling method and its stable reliable numerical solving algorithm are the two core problems of flexible MSD. In this paper, the research status of modeling methods of flexible MSD in recent years is summarized first, including the selection of reference frames, the flexible body’s kinematics descriptions, the deductions of dynamics equation, the model reduction techniques and the modeling methods of the contact/collision, uncertainty and multi-field coupling problems. Then, numerical solution technologies and their latest developments of flexible MSD are discussed in detail. Finally, the future research directions of modeling and numerical computation of flexible MSD are briefly prospected.