Projection and assembly method for multibody component model reduction

The problem addressed is that of obtaining reduced-order component models for use in simulating the dynamics of a multibody system. In certain cases, nonlinear system models may be constructed using linear dynamic models for each component, but allowing large angle motion between components. Without some form of model reduction, system models constructed in this manner may be too large for use in control system design and simulation trades. This paper analyzes one method of component model reduction that allows systems level requirements (e.g., capturing the effect of body 1 reaction wheel noise on body 2 camera pointing) to aid in the selection of the reduced-order component models. Briefly stated, important modes are selected at the system level and projected onto the components, and reduced-order components are then assembled into a reduced-order system model that retains the projected modes.