Camera-based noncontact metrology for static/dynamic testing of flexible multibody systems

Presented here is a camera-based noncontact measurement theory for static/dynamic testing of flexible multibody systems that undergo large rigid, elastic and/or plastic deformations. The procedure and equations for accurate estimation of system parameters (i.e. the location and focal length of each camera and the transformation matrix relating its image and object coordinate systems) using an L-frame with four retroreflective markers are described in detail. Moreover, a method for refinement of estimated system parameters and establishment of a lens distortion model for correcting optical distortions using a T-wand with three markers is described. Dynamically deformed geometries of a multibody system are assumed to be obtained by tracing the three-dimensional instantaneous coordinates of markers adhered to the system's outside surfaces, and cameras and triangulation techniques are used for capturing marker images and identifying markers' coordinates. Furthermore, an EAGLE-500 motion analysis system is used to demonstrate measurements of static/dynamic deformations of six different flexible multibody systems. All numerical simulations and experimental results show that the use of camera-based motion analysis systems is feasible and accurate enough for static/dynamic experiments on flexible multibody systems, especially those that cannot be measured using conventional contact sensors.