Multi-body dynamics in vehicle engineering

Since Euler's original gyro-dynamic analysis nearly two and a half centuries ago, the use of multi-body dynamics (MBD) has spread widely in application scope from large displacement rigid body dynamics to infinitesimal amplitude elastodynamics. In some cases, MBD has become a multi-physics multi-scale analysis, comprising contact mechanics, tribo-dynamics, terramechanics, thermodynamics, biomechanics, etc. It is an essential part of all analyses in many engineering disciplines, including vehicle engineering. This paper provides an overview of historical developments with emphasis on vehicle development and investigation of observed phenomena, including noise, vibration and harshness. The approach undertaken is comprehensive and provides a uniquely focused perspective, one which has not hitherto been reported in the literature.