Definition of non-dimensional strain energy for large deformable flexible beam in absolute nodal coordinate formulation

Unlike in rigid multi-body dynamics, the more the degrees of freedom increase in flexible multi-body dynamics, the more analysis time is required. In particular, the degrees of freedom increase as the order of polynomials that is related to the displacement field increases in the absolute nodal coordinate formulation that is suitable for the analysis of large deformable and rotational problems. An analysis method using a non-dimensional equation of motion was developed as one of the methods to reduce the analysis time. In this study, non-dimensional strain energy was derived from a dimensional value based on structural and continuum mechanics using non-dimensional variables. Finally, verification was performed using two examples: a flexible cantilever beam and a flexible compound pendulum.