Five Myths About Multibody Dynamics Simulation That Slow Down Engineering

Many engineering teams underuse multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation because of assumptions that no longer hold, leaning on physical prototypes and longer development cycles as a result. This white paper challenges five common myths with how MBD, and MSC Adams specifically, is used today.

The five myths

• MBD is just motion analysis. It solves interconnected system dynamics and cross-discipline trade-offs, not only constrained motion.
• MBD is only for early concept studies. Its value runs from concept through development, validation, and physical testing.
• MBD has limited fidelity. Component-level accuracy comes from part compliance, FEA-derived flexible bodies, and co-simulation for large deformation and nonlinear materials.
• MBD needs a specialist. FMI and model encapsulation put validated models in the hands of design engineers, not just analysts.
• Real-time MBD means reduced order models. MSC Adams Real-Time keeps full topology and parametrics, so you no longer trade fidelity for real-time HiL and DiL testing.