Flexible Bodies

Convert rigid bodies to flexible bodies and review flexible body modes before running a motion analysis.

Inspire Motion supports two kinds of bodies: rigid and linear flexible. The rigid body operates in 3D space where it can undergo large overall motion, be attached to other bodies via joints, and/or get into contact with other bodies, but it cannot experience any deformation. The linear flexible body can do the same, but can also undergo small deformations. The flexible component is obtained by carrying out a Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) analysis. This entity has mass and inertia properties just like a rigid body. In addition, it has flexibility properties that allow it to deform under loads. The deformation is defined using a set of spatial mode shapes and time-dependent modal coordinates. Such a body is linearly flexible, meaning that it cannot handle non-linear or plastic deformations. A linear flexible body is useful in situations where deformations of the body due to large forces have a meaningful impact to the overall behavior of the system and the forces at the pivot points.

Use the FlexBody tool to convert rigid bodies to flexible bodies and review flexible body modes. You can also include stress and strain in the analysis.

Location: Motion ribbon, Setup group