3 Credit Hours

This course will cover advanced dynamics techniques as applied to multibody systems subject to both holonomic and nonholonomic constraints, with applications to robotic systems, aircraft, spacecraft, vehicle dynamics, machine tools, biomechanical systems, and renewable energy systems. After a review of Newton-Euler methods, we will cover Lagrange’s equations, Kane’s equations, Hamiltonian methods, and additional topics as time permits.

Prerequisites

MAE 511 Advanced Dynamics I.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, the students will be able to:

• Use Lagrange’s equations to generate equations of motion for a multibody dynamic system subject to holonomic and nonholonomic constraints.
• Use Kane’s equations to generate equations of motion for multibody dynamic system subject to holonomic and nonholonomic constraints.
• Use Hamiltonian methods to generate equations of motion for a complex spacecraft system.
• Apply the methods of the course to rederive the equations of motion and numerical simulations found in a state-of-the-art journal article concerning multibody dynamics. This will be accomplished through the course project.

Textbooks

Introduction to Space Dynamics – Thomson, William Tyrrell
Edition: 1st
ISBN: 9780486651132
Cost: $25
This textbook is required.

Methods of Analytical Dynamics – Meirovitch, Leonard
Edition: 1st
ISBN: 9780486432397
Cost: $30
This textbook is required.

Created: 2/17/2026.