Dynamics of spatial structure-varying rigid multibody systems

Couplings in machines and mechanisms exhibiting backlash and friction phenomena can be modeled as multibody systems with unilateral constraints and Coulomb friction. The structure of the differential-algebraic equations describing the system depends on the state of the constraints. The contact forces occurring at active constraints are taken into account in the equations of motion as Lagrange multipliers. Additionally, the kinematic conditions of all active constraints are formulated on the acceleration level. Contact and friction laws are sufficient conditions for state transitions of active constraints, and are represented by nonsmooth characteristics. Several formulations, like the linear complementarity problem, and two different nonlinear systems of equations are presented together with their solution method. The theory is applied to a mechanical system containing three-dimensional and coupled unilateral constraints with friction.