The laboratory of Machine Design conducts research in the field of machine dynamics. The research activities are particularly focused on the multibody dynamics. Within the field of multibody dynamics, the research activities of the laboratory can be categorized as follows
- Flexible multibody dynamics. In the field of flexible multibody dynamics, research focuses on large deformation problems in multibody applications and the modelling of flexible bodies in real-time applications.
- Multidisciplinary approaches. In multidisciplinary simulations, models of actuators and control schemes are coupled to mechanical models represented by multibody dynamics. The laboratory has well established kn
owledge on the modelling of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators as well as electric drives.
- Rotating structures. In the field of rotating structures, research concentrates on rolling and journal bearing modelling as well as aspects related to rotor dynamics.
- Biomechanical simulation. In this area, research centres on bone strength analysis and joint modelling. Particularly, the flexible multibody simulation approach is used to shed more light on the relationship of bone strength and neuromuscular performance.
The laboratory of Machine Design collaborates with a number of international research groups. The most important international partners in co-operation are:
University of Illinois at Chicago (Prof Shabana),
University of Seville (Prof. Escalona and Prof. Garcia-Vallejo),
Johannes Kepler University Linz (Dr. Gerstmayr),
Delft University of Technology (Prof. Schwab),
University of La Coruña (Prof. Cuadrado)
Pusan National University (Prof. Yoo).
The main forms of collaboration are doctoral student and post-doctoral research visits and research projects. The research group also collaborates with national research laboratories and institutes within the field of machine dynamics.
The laboratory hosted the First Joint International Conference on Multibody System Dynamics, IMSD, that was held in Lappeenranta, Finland, 25-27 May 2010. The Second Joint International Conference on Multibody System Dynamics will be held in Stuttgart at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, in May 29 - June 1, 2012.