New to Multibody Dynamics Simulation and concerned about how to use it in the real world?

How can I avoid classic mistakes and move quickly to actual models running smoothly?

How can I get an overview of existing Multibody Dynamics Simulation codes?

Get the answers to these questions and more with this industry-leading, code-independent e-learning course.

Fundamentals of Multibody Dynamics Simulation

This 3-session, live online course explains what you need to know to perform Multibody Simulation Analysis of systems and mechanisms.

By attending, you will learn about the theoretical, numerical, and methodological background which will allow you to build your first Multibody Dynamic (MBD) models, and then progress to more complex ones. Examples are discussed in detail allowing you to understand not only model construction but how and why a given model has been built that way. The examples used will help illustrate the use of multiple commercial MBD software packages as concrete examples of applications of existing commercial technology.

You can either attend the live sessions or take the course on-demand at your leisure.

NAFEMS e-learning gives you real, practical knowledge that you can use day-to-day to improve your analyses.

What will you learn?

This course offers both the theoretical and numerical background allowing you to build your first MBDS models. Attendees will explore:

Physical concepts
Methodological concepts
Numerical concepts

The course instructor will also offer tips and tricks to help avoid mistakes and problems when building MBDS models.

Course topics include:

Background to MBD
Defining your objectives and planning your analysis
Making healthy models, avoid common mistakes when building models
Engineering assessment – is your model realistic
Going through more advanced concepts like gear models, contact
Specific MBD packages and verticals

Who should attend?

Beginners (Designers, Engineers) interested in MBS and looking to build their first models
Engineers familiars with numerical simulation but not MBS and interested in moving to this area
Designers of systems, interested in using MBD for the simulation of complex systems and subsystems

Strong effort is made for the course to be MBD software neutral. However, examples from some of the more well-known and popular software may be used throughout the sessions.

The course is completely code independent.

Course Process and Details

This is a 3-session online training course, with each session lasting approximately 2 hours, depending on homework submissions, questions & discussions.

You can attend the sessions live, and/or stream on demand. For additional info on telephony charges please email e-learning @ nafems.org .

A full set of notes in PDF format will be available for download.

Personal passwords are provided to allow you to access e-learning backup material via our discussion forum. Reading lists, homework submissions and supplementary information are all available via the discussion forum.

To get the most out of the course, participation in forum discussions is very much encouraged. Typically the forum remains open for 4 weeks after the last live session, giving you plenty of time to catch up with homework, review and ask questions.

Note: homework is purely voluntary

Course Program

(click to expand)

Session 1: Introduction to Multibody Dynamics

Physical concepts
Example of MBD model: Excavator
Example of MBD results: Motion of a utility vehicle
Methodological concepts
Problem definition
Building MBS model: How to start
Building MBS model: Elementary bricks
Example: A single DOF pendulum

Session 2: Introduction to Multibody Dynamics (cont.)

Submodels, substructures
Example: Spring mass damper system
Example: A simple mechanism
Example: A suspension system
Example: Cam rocker valve system
Creating a model, tips and tricks
Exploiting a model: Main results
What can go wrong?

Session 3: Numerical concepts: Algorithms and methods, convergence aspects, …

Type of equations to solve
State choice
Generalized coordinates choice
Constraints handling: Lagrange and other approaches, redundant constraints
The special case of recursive formulation
Some comments about dimensions
Numerical integration methods
How to select a solution strategy
HPCN
What can go wrong?
Tips and tricks

Introducing realism in MBD (introduction)

Build, test, review, improve
Flexible linear bodies
Contact
Examples: Model with linear body, model with contact
Advanced kinematic joints : chains, tracks, belts, … (intro)

PSE Competencies addressed by this training course

ID	Competence Statement
TBA	TBA

Fundamentals of Multibody Dynamics Simulation

Three-Session Online Training Course

2 hours per session
PDH Credits - 6

Attend the live sessions, or view the recordings at your convenience.

Not Available to Attend this Time?

Would you like us to notify you when the next course is open for enrollment? If so, add yourself to the eLearning Waitlist

Please click here to view the FAQ section, or if you need to contact NAFEMS about this course.

Engineering Board PDH Credits

*It is your individual responsibility to check whether these e-learning courses satisfy the criteria set-out by your state engineering board. NAFEMS does not guarantee that your individual board will accept these courses for PDH credit, but we believe that the courses comply with regulations in most US states (except Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, and New York, where providors are required to be pre-approved)

Special Note(s):

Telephony surcharges may apply for attendees who are located outside of North America, South America and Europe. These surcharges are related to individuals who join the audio portion of the web-meeting by calling in to the provided toll/toll-free teleconferencing lines. We have made a VoIP option available so anyone attending the class can join using a headset (headphones) connected to the computer. There is no associated surcharge to utilize the VoIP option, and is actually encouraged to ensure NAFEMS is able to keep the e-Learning course fees as low as possible. Please send an email to the e-Learning coordinator (e-learning @ nafems.org ) to determine if these surcharges may apply to your specific case.

Just as with a live face-to-face training course, each registration only covers one person. If you plan to register a large group (10+), please send an email to e-learning @ nafems.org in advance for group discounts.

For NAFEMS cancellation and transfer policy, click here.