Matrix Methods in the Design Analysis of Mechanisms and Multibody Systems

This book is an integrated approach to kinematic and dynamic analysis. The matrix techniques presented are general and fully applicable to two- or three-dimensional systems. They lend themselves to programming and digital computation and can be the basis of a usable tool for designers. The techniques have broad applicability to the design analysis of all multibody mechanical systems. The more powerful and more flexible the approach, and the less specialization and reprogramming required for each application, the better. The matrix methods presented have been developed using these as primary goals. Although the matrix methods can be applied by hand to such problems as the slider-crank mechanism, this is not the intent of this text, and often the rigor required for such an attempt becomes quite burdensome in comparison with other techniques. The matrix methods have been extensively tested, both in the classroom and in the world of engineering industry.