Generalized Coordinate Partitioning for Dimension Reduction in Analysis of Constrained Dynamic Systems

This paper presents a computer-based method for formulation and efficient solution of nonlinear, constrained differential equations of motion for mechanical systems. Nonlinear holonomic constraint equations and differential equations of motion are written in terms of a maximal set of Cartesian generalized coordinates, to facilitate the general formulation of constraints and forcing functions. A Gaussian elimination algorithm with full pivoting decomposes the constraint Jacobian matrix, identifies dependent variables, and constructs an influence coefficient matix relating variations in dependent and independent variables. This information is employed to numerically construct a reduced system of differential equations of motion whose solution yields the total system dynamic response. A numerical integration algorithm with positive-error control, employing a predictor-corrector algorithm with variable order and step size, is developed that integrates for only the independent variables, yet effectively determines dependent variables. Numerical results are presented for planar motion of two tracked vehicular systems with 13 and 24 degrees of freedom. Computational efficiency of the algorithm is shown to be an order of magnitude better than previously employed algorithms.