Three Dimensional Bushing Element Based on the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

In addition to the load transmission, the rubber bushings play an important role in the noise and vibration reduction. This paper presents a new three dimensional bushing element based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). This element is used to simulate the torsional and axial bushing stiffness between two fully parameterized ANCF nodes. Tangent frame of reference is used to define local coordinates at each node. Rodrigues’ formula is used to define the angle and the axis of rotation between the two coordinates. Linear relationship, between the bushing forces and the relative deflections between the coordinates attached to the two ANCF nodes, is assumed. The numerical implementation of the proposed ANCF bushing element is validated by comparing with the expected results.