Control Constraint Realization for Multibody Systems

This paper discusses the problem of control constraint realization applied to generic underactuated multibody systems. The conditions for the realization are presented. Focus is placed on the tangent realization of the control constraint. An alternative condition is formulated, based on the practical observation that differential-algebraic equations need to be integrated using implicit algorithms, thus naturally leading to the solution of the problem in form of matrix pencil. The analogy with the representation of linear systems in Laplace's domain is also discussed. The formulation is applied to the solution of simple, yet illustrative problems, related to rigid and deformable bodies. Some implications of considering deformable continua are addressed. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4002087]