Real-Time Integration Methods for Mechanical System Simulation

This book contains the edited versions of lectures and selected contributed papers presented at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Real-Time Integration Methods For Mechanical System Simulation, held in Snowbird, Utah, August 7-11, 1989. The Institute was attended by 42 participants from 9 countries, including leading mathematicians and engineers from universities, research institutions, and industry. The majority of participants presented either invited or contributed papers during the Institute, and everyone participated in lively discussions on scientific aspects of the program. The Workshop provided a forum for investigation of promising new directions for solution of differential-algebraic equations (DAE) of mechanical system dynamics by mathematicians and engineers from numerous schools of thought. The Workshop addressed needs and opportunities for new methods of solving of DAE of mechanical system dynamics, from the perspective of a broad range of engineering and scientific applications. Among the most exciting new applications addressed was real- time computer simulation of mechanical systems that, for the first time in human history, permits operator-in-the-Ioop simulation of equipment that is controlled by the human; e.g., driving a vehicle, operating a space telerobot, operating a remote manipulator, and operating construction equipment. The enormous potential value of this new application and the fact that real-time numerical integration methods for DAE of mechanical system dynamics is the pacing problem to be solved in realizing this potential served to focus much of the discussion at the Workshop.