International Journal of applied mathematics and computer science

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Paper details

Number 2 - June 2012
Volume 22 - 2012

A general on-the-fly algorithm for modifying the kinematic tree hierarchy

Jakub Stępień, Andrzej Polański, Konrad Wojciechowski

Abstract
When conducting a dynamic simulation of a multibody mechanical system, the model definition may need to be altered during the simulation course due to, e.g., changes in the way the system interacts with external objects. In this paper, we propose a general procedure for modifying simulation models of articulated figures, particularly useful when dealing with systems in time-varying contact with the environment. The proposed algorithm adjusts model connectivity, geometry and current state, producing its equivalent ready to be used by the simulation procedure. Furthermore, we also provide a simple usage scenario—a passive planar biped walker.

Keywords
dynamics, articulated system, rigid bodies, system hierarchy, contact, animation

DOI
10.2478/v10006-012-0032-7