This book demonstrates how to formulate the equations of mechanical systems. Providing methods of analysis of complex mechanical systems, the book has a clear focus on efficiency, equipping the reader with knowledge of algorithms that provide accurate results in reduced simulation time.

Introduction Background Material on Dynamics and VibrationsChapter 1 Derivation of Equations of Motion. Chapter 2 Deployment, Station-Keeping, and Retrieval of a Flexible Tether Connecting a Satellite to the ShuttleChapter 3 Kane’s Method of Linearization Applied to the Dynamics of a Beam in Large Overall MotionChapter 4 Dynamics of a Plate in Large Overall MotionChapter 5 Dynamics of an Arbitrary Flexible Body in Large Overall MotionChapter 6 Flexible Multibody Dynamics: Dense Matrix FormulationChapter 7 Component Mode Selection and Model Reduction: A ReviewChapter 8 Block-Diagonal Mass Matrix Formulation of Equations of Motion for Flexible Multibody SystemsChapter 9 Efficient Variables, Recursive Formulation, and Multi-Loop Constraints in Flexible Multibody DynamicsChapter 10 An Order-n Formulation for Beams with Undergoing Large Deflection and Large Base Motion. Chapter 11 Deployment/Retraction of Beams and Cables from Moving Vehicles: Small Deflection Analysis, and Variable-N Order-N Formulations for Large DeflectionChapter 12 Flexible Rocket Dynamics, Using Geometric Softness and a Block-Diagonal Mass MatrixChapter 13 Large Amplitude Fuel Slosh in Spacecraft in Large Overall MotionAppendix A: Modal Integrals for an Arbitrary Flexible BodyAppendix B: Flexible Multibody Dynamics for Small Overall MotionAppendix C: A FORTRAN Code of the Order-n Algorithm: Application to an Example