Abstract
In this paper, a completely new solution scheme for inverse dynamics, which can be commonly applied in different types of link systems such as open- or closed-loop mechanisms, or ones constituting rigid or flexible link members, is presented. The scheme is developed using the finite element method (FEM), which evaluates the entire system as a continuum with the equation of motion in Cartesian coordinates and in dimension of force. The inverse dynamics is calculated by using a matrix form relation to the nodal forces obtained by the FEM. The matrix-form equations are divided individually into terms of force, transformation between coordinates, and length, which makes the scheme potentially higher in applicability and expansibility. The scheme can not only deal with open- and closed-loop link systems independently, but it can also deal seamlessly with those that gradually change their forms and dynamics. There is also no need to revise the basic numerical algorithm of the scheme, regardless of the stiffness of the constituting link member, i.e., rigid or flexible. The main objective of this paper is to present the extensive ability of the scheme as a unified scheme, by carrying out calculations on several types of rigid and flexible manipulators, along with an application to feed-forward control of a link mechanism which continuously changes its form from an open- to a closed-loop.