Application of the partial accelerations method in large-scale modeling of mechanical systems

Abstract

Problem. Modern trends in the design of mechanical systems require the application of efficient methods to reduce time and resource expenditures during the development and testing of new structures. Large-scale modeling serves as a critical tool for verifying theoretical principles, evaluating the safety, and assessing the functionality of mechanical systems at early design stages. However, the complexity of dynamic models that describe the behavior of mobile machines in a scaled format necessitates the development of approaches to simplify such models. One promising approach is the method of partial accelerations, which enables mathematical and computational optimization of modeling processes. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to improve large-scale modeling methods by employing the method of partial accelerations in the study of mobile machine dynamics. Methodology. The research is based on the principle of superposition in mechanics, which enables the replacement of classical dynamic equations with equations of partial accelerations in a homogeneous vector space. This approach significantly simplifies the mathematical representation of system dynamics. Results. It has been established that the acceleration scale for mechanical systems operating within Earth’s gravitational field is always equal to unity, simplifying the process of determining the scaling factors for other physical quantities. The study proposes equations for partial accelerations that provide an accurate representation of the kinematics of both prototype and scaled models of mobile machines. Furthermore, the application of the multi-component complex motion model demonstrated its ability to evaluate dynamic deviations in mobile machines and account for the effects of active and reactive forces. Originality. The proposed method of partial accelerations introduces a novel approach to large-scale modeling of mechanical systems. By operating within a homogeneous vector space of accelerations, this method eliminates the need for inertial forces, reducing the complexity of mathematical models and enhancing the accuracy of predicting system dynamic behavior. Practical meaning. The method of partial accelerations can be applied in the following areas: designing mobile machines, including vehicles and planetary rovers; optimizing dynamic tests using accelerometers; modeling the energy efficiency of vehicles under steady and unsteady motion; enhancing scaled models for safety and maneuverability analyses.