Dynamomodels

Dynamomodels refer to a class of dynamic simulation models used to analyze the behavior of physical systems under changing conditions. The term is especially common in mechanical engineering, automotive design, and aerospace research, where it describes computational representations that capture mass, inertia, forces, moments, and constraints as functions of time. Dynamomodels are constructed from component models—such as gears, bearings, linkages, and vehicle chassis—and then assembled into a multi‑body system that can be integrated using numerical solvers.

The methodology originated in the 1960s with early mechanical simulation systems that used analytical equations derived from Newtonian mechanics. Over the decades, advances in computer hardware and software libraries have enabled more accurate and faster simulations, incorporating sophisticated contact models, friction, and damping. Modern dynamomodels in automotive design typically include tire models, suspension dynamics, and driveline articulation, allowing engineers to evaluate vehicle handling, ride comfort, and safety across a wide range of operating conditions. In aerospace, dynamomodels are employed to simulate aircraft control surfaces, landing gear deployment, and crew motion within the cockpit for ergonomics studies.

Key advantages of dynamomodels are their ability to predict transient responses to control inputs or external disturbances and to support design optimizations through parametric studies. They are also used in virtual prototyping, reducing the need for physical prototypes and accelerating time‑to‑market for new products. Several leading simulation platforms—including MSC Adams, SIMPACK, and Siemens NX Simcenter—offer comprehensive tools for building and analyzing dynamomodels. In academia, courses on robotics and mechatronics often include dynamomodels as a core concept for teaching system dynamics and control theory.