Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: Gabriele FICHERA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The main aim is bringing students to create numerical models suitable to simulate dynamics of complex mechanical systems, both in time and frequency domain, thus studying stability to applied force fields. Fundamental techniques of discretization of mechanical systems will be provided and specific numerical codes (Matlab ®)  will be used to solve equations of motion.

Course Structure

Taught class, Matlab lessons, vibration Lab.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Applied mechanics and basic vibration theory; Newton laws and their numerical formulation; theory of second order differential equations and solution methods.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is mandatory as established by general rules.

Detailed Course Content

Modeling of n-degrees of freedom mechanical systems with lumped parameters: motion equations, basic principles of multibody method, non-linear static equilibrium calculation, linear analysis (eigensolution and frequency response), modal decomposition, linear systems with non-linear forces and time integration. Examples in Matlab ® (suspension units, ride-comfort of a passenger car).

Vibration in continuous systems: cables and beams, frequencies and modes calculation, modal decomposition, structural and hysteretical damping.

Finite Element Method: shape functions for 1-D elements (cables and beams), calculation examples, frequency response function, Matlab examples.

Mechanical systems with 1 or 2 dofs subjected to force fields: analysis of stability and practical examples (airfoils, bearings, Matlab exercises).

Vehicle dynamics: tire-to-road interaction, basic models for longitudinal and lateral dynamics in pure-slip, stability in turns, quarter-car model.

Basic principles of experimental modal analysis with practical examples at laboratory and measurements of vibration.

Textbook Information

1) G. Diana, F. Cheli, “Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems”, Springer

2) G. Genta, L.Morello, "The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design, Springer


AuthorTitlePublisherYearISBN
Giorgio Diana, Federico CheliDinamica dei sistemi meccanici vol.1&2Polipress20108873980651
Giorgio Diana, Federico CheliAdvanced Dynamics of Mechanical SystemsSpringer2015978-3-319-18200-1
Giancarlo GentaMeccanica dell'autoveicoloLevrotto & Bella20008882180425
Giancarlo Genta, Lorenzo MorelloThe Automotive Chassis: System Design: Volume 2: System DesignSpringer2009978-1-4020-8675-5

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1recap of 1-dof systems: free and forced response“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems”: pages 125-155.
2damping identification methods and hysteretic damping“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems”: pages 158-162. Lecture notes: Bushings_rev2022.pdf
3equations of motion of linear n dof systems“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 83-125.
4eigenvalues and mode shapes of n-dofs systems“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 198-204.
5forced vibration response of n dofs systems“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 205-211.
6rubber and hydraulic mounts for vibration isolationLecture notes: Bushings_rev2022.pdf
7suspension systems 1 and 2 dofs“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems”: pages 155-158. Lecture notes.
8modal analysis“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 211-239.
9equations of motion of non linear n dof systems“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 1-6, 11-23.
10Matlab models for ride comfort evaluation of a ground vehicle"The automotive chassis". Lecture notes.
11mode shapes and eigenvalues of continuous systems: cables“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 241-252.
12mode shapes and eigenvalues of continuous systems: beams without or with axial load“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 252-270.
13mode shapes and eigenvalues of continuous systems: axial and torsional vibrations of beams“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 270-274.
14basic principles of finite element method, shape functions for 1-D elements: string and beam“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 310-322.
15example of assembling matrices for an overhead vibrating line“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 322-341.
16study of stability in 1 and 2 dofs vibrating systems“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 413-422.
17stability of 1 dof airfoils“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 422-439.
18stability of a 2 dofs system in a position-dependent force field“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 439-458.
19stability of 2 dof airfoils“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 461-469.
20Matlab examples for airfoils stability Lecture notes.
21stability of journal bearings“Advanced Dynamics of Mechanical Systems” - pages 469-479.
22basic principles and applications for signal analysis and vibration measurementdispense del docente - lecture notes: vibration_measurement.pdfFrequency_Analysis.pdf
23Matlab examples on FFTG. Genta, ''meccanica dell'autoveicolo''G. Genta, L.Morello, "The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design, Springer
24forces applied to ground vehicles"The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design. Lecture notes.
25tire to road interaction"The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design. Lecture notes.
26vehicle longitudinal dynamics"The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design. Lecture notes.
27steady state cornering, single track model, under/oversteer"The automotive chassis", Volume 2: system design. Lecture notes.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Written exam and presentation of students' works.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

available on:

http://studium.unict.it