Title: Development and validation of a simulation methodology to analyse mechanical systems moving on flexible bodies

Authors: F. Cianetti, C. Braccesi, F. Ambrogi

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Perugia, Via G. Duranti 67, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Abstract: A new multibody simulation tool, allowing the simulation of moving parts on flexible bodies, is described. This methodology is implemented by an approach using computer-aided design and mode-component synthesis, and illustrated with a test case on a reinforced concrete highway bridge under traffic testing. Dynamic traffic tests and relative multibody simulations are reported and compared in terms of acceleration. Moreover, using a new stress recovery procedure implemented by the authors for a particular multibody simulation and finite element analysis environment, a comparison was realised between stress test measurements and numerical ones. This demonstrates how much this approach allows the definition of load spectra useful in durability analysis.

Keywords: moving loads; mode-component synthesis; modal stress recovery; multibody simulation; flexible bodies; simulation methodology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2007.011797

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2007 Vol.14 No.1, pp.70 - 84

Published online: 22 Dec 2006 *

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