A practical approach to the modelling and computation of real-world systems. Multibody dynamics, planar and spatial modelling, and numerical methods are all pursued to obtain information about the behaviour of various dynamical systems. Each study presents the method of modelling and the ensuing differential equations governing the system behaviour. Integration of the equations yields results which are carefully discussed and which indicate how useful information may be obtained from the study. The studies include planar mechanisms, heavy equipment, automobile crash simulation and a spatial planetary system example.

This book introduces a practical approach to the modelling and computation of real-world systems. Multibody dynamics, planar and spatial modelling, and numerical methods are all pursued to obtain information about the behaviour of various dynamical systems. Each study presents the method of modelling and the ensuing differential equations governing the system behaviour. Integration of the equations yields results which are carefully discussed and which indicate how useful information may be obtained from the study. The studies include planar mechanisms, heavy equipment, automobile crash simulation and a spatial planetary system example. Research students, scientists and engineers will appreciate the practical approach taken in this book.

A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.

A practical approach to the computational methods used to solve real-world dynamics problems Computational dynamics has grown rapidly in recent years with the advent of high-speed digital computers and the need to develop simulation and analysis computational capabilities for mechanical and aerospace systems that consist of interconnected bodies. Computational Dynamics, Second Edition offers a full introduction to the concepts, definitions, and techniques used in multibody dynamics and presents essential topics concerning kinematics and dynamics of motion in two and three dimensions. Skillfully organized into eight chapters that mirror the standard learning sequence of computational dynamics courses, this Second Edition begins with a discussion of classical techniques that review some of the fundamental concepts and formulations in the general field of dynamics. Next, it builds on these concepts in order to demonstrate the use of the methods as the foundation for the study of computational dynamics. Finally, the book presents different computational methodologies used in the computer-aided analysis of mechanical and aerospace systems. Each chapter features simple examples that show the main ideas and procedures, as well as straightforward problem sets that facilitate learning and help readers build problem-solving skills. Clearly written and ready to apply, Computational Dynamics, Second Edition is a valuable reference for both aspiring and practicing mechanical and aerospace engineers.

This book is an introduction to the field of constrained Hamiltonian systems and their quantization, a topic which is of central interest to theoretical physicists who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of the quantization of gauge theories, such as describing the fundamental interactions in nature. Beginning with the early work of Dirac, the book covers the main developments in the field up to more recent topics, such as the field?antifield formalism of Batalin and Vilkovisky, including a short discussion of how gauge anomalies may be incorporated into this formalism. All topics are well illustrated with examples emphasizing points of central interest. The book should enable graduate students to follow the literature on this subject without much problems, and to perform research in this field.

This book discusses analytical tools for designing energy efficient and lightweight structures that embody the concept of tensegrity. The book provides both static and dynamic analysis of special tensegrity structural concepts, which are motivated by biological material architecture. This is the first book written to attempt to integrate structure and control design.

VOLUME 12 REVIEWS IN COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY Kenny B. Lipkowitz and Donald B. Boyd HOW DOES ONE COMPUTE FREE ENERGY AND ENTROPY FROM MOLECULAR SIMULATIONS? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SIMULATIONS ARE RUN WITH CONSTRAINTS? HOW SHOULD SIMULATIONS BE PERFORMED TO MODEL INTERFACIAL PHENOMENA? HOW IS DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY USED TO SIMULATE MATERIALS? WHAT QUANTUM MECHANICAL METHODS SHOULD BE USED TO COMPUTE NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS? WHICH PARAMETERS ARE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN A MOLECULAR SIMULATION? HOW CAN CRYSTAL STRUCTURES BE PREDICTED? TUTORIALS PROVIDING ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS ARE THE FOCUS OF THIS BOOK. FROM REVIEWS OF THE SERIES "The series continues to be one of the most useful information sources." -JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

Geometric integrators are time-stepping methods, designed such that they exactly satisfy conservation laws, symmetries or symplectic properties of a system of differential equations. In this book the authors outline the principles of geometric integration and demonstrate how they can be applied to provide efficient numerical methods for simulating conservative models. Beginning from basic principles and continuing with discussions regarding the advantageous properties of such schemes, the book introduces methods for the N-body problem, systems with holonomic constraints, and rigid bodies. More advanced topics treated include high-order and variable stepsize methods, schemes for treating problems involving multiple time-scales, and applications to molecular dynamics and partial differential equations. The emphasis is on providing a unified theoretical framework as well as a practical guide for users. The inclusion of examples, background material and exercises enhance the usefulness of the book for self-instruction or as a text for a graduate course on the subject.

This textbook – a result of the author’s many years of research and teaching – brings together diverse concepts of the versatile tool of multibody dynamics, combining the efforts of many researchers in the field of mechanics.