The development of automatic analysis & optimization tools is a continuous concern and challenge for the research in the field of mechanical systems design. Important publications reveal a growing interest in analysis & optimization methods for multi-body systems (MBS), which may facilitate the self-formulating algorithms. Such methods are intensively used to develop powerful virtual prototyping software environments.
The stages to create a virtual prototype mirror to the physical model as follows: modeling (create parts, restrictions, and forces generating elements), simulation (analysis/testing), validation (compare virtual and experimental data), refining (improve the fidelity of the virtual model in relation to the physical one, e.g. add friction, flexible parts, actuating & control systems), optimization (improving the behavior of the mechanical system, usually from - but not limited to - functional point of view). The physical (hardware) prototyping is a support activity for the virtual (software) prototyping, providing the experimental results used in the validation stage of the virtual model. The basic principle for a successful virtual prototyping process is to manipulate the simplifying assumptions in a way that reduces the complexity of the virtual model, but without altering the accuracy of the results.
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