Determination of input data for realistic assembly operation simulation of flexible beam parts in a virtual reality environment

Different studies are required during the design process to improve the performance and quality of complex mechanical systems. Such systems usually contain deformable parts, which complex behavior is a critical factor that must be taken into account during the design, assembly/disassembly (A/D), ergonomics evaluations of a product. Virtual Reality (VR) proposes the designer specific functions to study efficiently complex systems: interaction with a virtual part, visual/force feedback, real-time multi criteria analysis of A/D. However, the quality of virtual simulations like A/D of flexible parts depends on input data. The aim of this work is to discuss main input data required for realistic simulations of virtual A/D of flexible parts. Some input parameters are used by a behavior model of flexible beams coupled to virtual A/D. The incorporation of mechanical models implies the use of material properties, which are hard to set up for multi-material flexible parts. This paper proposes a method to determine quickly a material characteristic of such parts for realistic virtual A/D simulations. Examples of law behavior definition as well as A/D simulation of a flexible part using the proposed approach are presented.