A general purpose co-simulation C++/Python framework for strongly coupled electro-mechanical applications

Multibody dynamics (MBD) represent an essential and consolidated tool for the comprehensive kinematic and dynamic analysis of general mechanical systems. However, the reliability and effectiveness of standard MBD software can suffer the presence of strongly coupled phenomena spanning multiple physical domains, such as in the context of electro-mechanical devices. In these cases, the simulation applicability may be curtailed. A possible workaround could involve the simulation of each single domain separately through suited and dedicated software; however, when strong interdependencies exist, a decoupled approach is impractical, making co-simulation necessary. To address this limitation, this paper focuses on the integration of multibody dynamics (MBD) with equivalent circuit modelling (ECM) in order to effectively solve strong coupled mechanical and electrical applications. In particular this work proposes a novel C++/Python framework, called Chrono::Electronics, based on a two-way coupling between the multiphysics dynamics Project Chrono (PC) and the general-purpose circuit simulator engine NGSpice (NGS) to solve complex interaction problems between mechanical and electronic domains. Finally, to validate the proposed framework, a DC motor coupled with a mechanical load is analysed, and the experimental measurements are compared with the respective multiphysics model results established through the proposed utility, demonstrating good agreement. Chrono::Electronics bridges the gap between mechanical and electronic domains, allowing for more accurate and comprehensive simulation of systems where these interactions play a crucial role.