Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the concepts of multibody dynamics to study general robotic manipulators, rotorcraft systems, and human bodies. Generally, the governing equations of motion of the multibody systems can be derived by a number of methods including Newton-Euler equations, Lagrangian equations, Gibbs-Appel equations, Hamilton's canonical equations, and Kane's method. The book focuses on the use of Kane's method and the advantages it provides. It addresses the modeling of time-dependent forces resulting from deformable bodies when they are subjected to high temperature conditions. The book focuses on systems with time variant boundary or contact conditions. It presents an innovative method used to minimize vibration of a variable structure with time variant or adjustable boundary conditions (supports). The book deals with frequency response functions of flexible multibody dynamic systems.