Multi-variable method for flexible multi-body systems with contact/impact

Multi-variable method is proposed to deal with flexible multi-body systems with contact/impact. With this method, the floating reference frame technique is combined with the nonlinear finite element technique to raise the solving efficiency of the whole system and the computation accuracy in the local contact/impact region. The motion of the non-contact/impact region is described with the floating reference frame technique and the modal reduction approach is used to raise the solving efficiency. The nonlinear finite element technique is employed for describing the nonlinear and plastic deformation in the local contact/impact region. Some numerical examples are presented with the proposed method. In addition, experimental investigations with a Laser-Doppler vibrometer are presented. The numerical results agree well with the experimental ones.