Dynamic Flexible-Body Modeling for Complex Vehicle Systems

The ISYSD toolbox, developed in the Phase I Contract and MAC's ITAP toolbox will be employed to address critical technical issues related to prediction of fracture and fatigue of vehicle subassemblies. The Phase II work overall goal is to establish and demonstrate the technical means for reliable fracture and fatigue prediction on combat ground vehicles subjected to service environments. In order to achieve this goal, the following objectives will be addressed: 1. Establish and demonstrate end-to-end finite element model development and analysis practices for linear structural components in the 0-500 Hz band. 2. Generate and experimentally validate non-linear mathematical models of joints, fasteners and isolators. 3. Establish, verify and experimentally validate methodology for synthesis of system assemblies composed of linear structural dynamic components connected through non-linear interfaces. 4. Determine appropriate means for describing and incorporating parametric uncertainties in fatigue and fracture predictions. 5. Develop procedures for relating mathematical models, laboratory and field measurement data in order to establish reliable "virtual" test methods for fatigue and fracture prediction. Results of Phase II will provide a clear definition of the appropriate roles and interrelationships of finite element modeling and analysis, vehicle dynamics simulation, test measurement, and fatigue evaluation codes with ISYSD.