Multi-body dynamics: historical evolution and application

The historical developments in the discipline of engineering dynamics are briefly reviewed, with attention paid to the formulation and solution of the dynamic behaviour of multi-body systems. It is shown that the dynamic characteristics of practical multi-body systems are dependent upon the interactions of many physical phenomena that can induce, restrain or constrain motion of parts. The long process of understanding and formulating the physics of multi-body motions, in some cases with pioneering contributions centuries old, together with continual refinements in numerical techniques and enhanced computing power has resulted in the solution of quite complex and practical engineering problems. Linking the historical developments to the fundamental physical phenomena and their interactions, the paper presents solutions to two complex multi-body dynamic problems. The practical implications of the approach in design of these systems are highlighted.