Multi-body simulation (MBS) laboratory

For the topics of multi-body dynamics, driving simulation and transmission technology, the laboratory has access to a wide range of software and powerful hardware. A broad spectrum of experts from OTH Regensburg, and in particular from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, is available to address issues from these various disciplines.

Thanks to the diverse range of projects already completed, close contact with various software manufacturers and cooperation with other laboratories, the laboratory is unique in the field of multi-body simulation.

Multi-body simulation (MBS) is a method of numerical simulation in which real technical systems with moving components are replicated using virtual prototypes, known as ‘digital twins’. With the help of these virtual prototypes, the behaviour of a product or machine can be predicted in advance solely through simulations, without the need for costly and sometimes lengthy tests with expensive real prototypes. In product development, these predictions meet the desire for shorter development times while reducing costs and improving quality. For this reason, multi-body simulation is often used early in the product development process, primarily in pre-series and series development. In most cases, MKS programmes are used for this purpose. Based on the virtual models, these programmes create the corresponding equations of motion, perform simulation calculations and display the results in animated form or as diagrams. The results also allow the movement behaviour of the components to be examined. At the same time, they can be used to determine the loads on the components, which are essential for their optimal design. In addition, MKS programmes play an important role in fault analysis, enabling existing and difficult-to-trace problems to be investigated virtually.