Similarities with Linear Flexible Bodies
There are a number of ways in which using the nonlinear option on the Adams flexible body is similar to the modal-based linear flexible body:
■Workflow: The general workflow for using the nonlinear flexible body within Adams is very similar to that of the linear, MNF-based flexible body. In fact, the Adams View object type is the same (flexible body) and within Adams Solver the same statement is used, just with different arguments. The creation workflow is very similar: one imports a file representing the flexible body and connects it to the model with constraints and/or forces. Same as for linear flexible bodies, the rigid-to-flex and flex-to-flex swap actions are also supported by the nonlinear flexible body option.
■Modeling Capabilities: Nonlinear flexible bodies can be moved within the model in Adams View and Adams Car much the same way as for linear flexible bodies. They can also interact with the rest of the Adams model in much the same way as well. Constraints and applied forces can be defined at nodes with the exception of solid element nodes (see "
Model Capabilities" in the "
Differences from Linear Flexible Bodies" section above).
■Post-Processing Capabilities: Same as the linear option, the nonlinear flexible body's mesh will animate along with the rest of the model in Adams PostProcessor. The nonlinear flexible body also comes with basic object measures and result sets for XY plotting. And, just like markers on the linear flexible body, markers on the nonlinear flexible body can be used for request functions.