Maple and multibody mechanical systems

Formal calculation software such as Maple is particularly well suited to the engineer's work, especially in the field of multi-body mechanics. This field very often requires long, tedious calculations, which are a source of errors when performed by hand.

In recent years, numerical methods combined with increased computer capacity and the emergence of mechanism simulation software such as ADAMS, MECANICA, SIMPACK... have sometimes led us to lose sight of the core of our models.

The return to formal calculation should enable :

• eliminate the "black box" effect;

• to be able to analyze the influence of different parameters more clearly;

• avoid or delay as long as possible the switch to numerical solving methods.

The aim of this article, presented in two parts ([AF 5 060] and [AF 5 061] ), is to demonstrate the benefits of Maple (formal calculation software and solver) in solving problems encountered in rigid body kinematics and dynamics. The aim is to demonstrate the software's potential, by applying it to concrete cases, and to introduce the solution methods it offers. These methods will be studied through examples, and will be based on the general mechanics data presented in Techniques de l'Ingénieur.

Unlike many books devoted to this software, the aim here is not to exhaustively demonstrate all Maple's possibilities, but to get to grips with the software in the context of systems mechanics.

We have focused more on progressiveness and pedagogy than on optimizing programming.

A unique feature of Maple version 10 is the ability to create interactive presentation sheets, which is particularly useful for studies that will be used by non-specialists. In addition, MapleSoft has developed a number of modules, such as DynaFlex, Global Optimization, BlockBuilder for Simulink and Math Toolbox for Labview, which can be of great use to mechanics.

Here, we've chosen to focus on an introduction to the software, leaving the creation of programs and presentation sheets to a later study.

Maple is a registered trademark of Waterloo Maple Inc.