Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of Multi-Body Mechanical Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Methods, Tools, and Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 35 42
    By

    Shubham Mishra,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering, Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The dynamic modeling and simulation of multi-body mechanical systems (MBS) form a cornerstone in modern mechanical engineering, enabling in-depth analysis of the kinematic and kinetic behaviors of interconnected rigid and flexible components. MBS are foundational to a range of critical applications, from automotive suspensions and aerospace mechanisms to robotics and biomechanical structures. As system complexity and performance requirements increase, accurate and scalable modeling techniques are essential for both design validation and performance optimization. This review systematically explores fundamental modeling formulations, including Newton–Euler, Lagrangian, and Kane’s methods, as well as strategies for constraint stabilization and numerical integration. A detailed examination of industry-standard and open-source simulation platforms—such as Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS), Simpack, RecurDyn, Project Chrono, and MBsysC—is presented, with a focus on capabilities for co-simulation, flexible body dynamics, and control system integration. The paper analyzes domain-specific MBS applications and addresses emerging paradigms such as AI-based modeling, real-time digital twins, and multiphysics co-simulation. By bridging foundational theory with modern software tools and outlining future research trajectories, this article aims to serve as a consolidated reference for engineers, researchers, and system analysts engaged in mechanical dynamics and system-level simulation. By bridging foundational theory with modern software tools and outlining future research trajectories, this article aims to serve as a consolidated reference for engineers, researchers, and system analysts engaged in mechanical dynamics and system-level simulation. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of interoperability between simulation tools and control design environments, scalable model reduction techniques, and the integration of sensor data for model calibration. The review concludes by identifying key challenges and opportunities in the development of next-generation MBS frameworks that are more adaptive, intelligent, and responsive to real-world operating conditions.

Keywords: Multi-body dynamics, dynamic system modeling, mechanical simulation, constraint handling, real-time simulation, numerical integration, co-simulation tools

[This article belongs to International Journal of Mechanical Dynamics and Systems Analysis ]

How to cite this article:
Shubham Mishra. Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of Multi-Body Mechanical Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Methods, Tools, and Applications. International Journal of Mechanical Dynamics and Systems Analysis. 2025; 03(01):35-42.
How to cite this URL:
Shubham Mishra. Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of Multi-Body Mechanical Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Methods, Tools, and Applications. International Journal of Mechanical Dynamics and Systems Analysis. 2025; 03(01):35-42. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijmdsa/article=2025/view=216751


References

  1. Shabana AA. Dynamics of Multibody Systems. 4th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2013. doi:10.1017/CBO9781107337213.
  2. Haug EJ. Computer-Aided Kinematics and Dynamics of Mechanical Systems. Boston: Allyn & Bacon; 1989.
  3. Kane TR, Levinson DA. Dynamics: Theory and Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1985.
  4. Pfeiffer F, Glocker C. Multibody Dynamics with Unilateral Contacts. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons; 1996. doi:10.1002/9783527618385.
  5. Nikravesh PE. Computer-Aided Analysis of Mechanical Systems. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall; 1988.
  6. Tasora A, Negrut D. Project Chrono: an open-source framework for the physics-based simulation of rigid and soft body dynamics. Multibody Syst Dyn. 2021;52(2):139–72.
  7. Pettersson L, Persson LE. Flexible body modeling in multibody systems using component mode synthesis. Multibody Syst Dyn. 2002;8:317–34.
  8. García de Jalón J, Bayo E. Kinematic and Dynamic Simulation of Multibody Systems: the Real-Time Challenge. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1994. doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-2600-0.
  9. Sinha A, Rakheja S, Sankar T. A review of dynamic modeling of mechanical systems with clearances. Mech Mach Theory. 1997;32(6):705–24.
  10. Altair Engineering, Inc. MotionSolve User Guide. Troy (MI): Altair Engineering; 2022.
  11. Modelica Association. Modelica Language Specification. Version 3.6. Modelica Association; 2023.
  12. Negrut D, Serban R, Melanz D, Tasora A. High-performance computing techniques for modeling and simulation of ground vehicle mobility systems. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng. 2020;360:112697.

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 22/03/2025
Accepted 12/06/2025
Published 24/06/2025
Publication Time 94 Days


Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics