Flexible multibody dynamics: a review of simulation packages

A review of flexible multibody dynamics simulation packages is presented. The packages are studied for application in the real time hardware-in-loop simulators of in-orbit servicing processed. Particular attention is paid to import and reuse of the finite element (FEM) models already developed for the spacecraft and/or robotic system as well as their reduced versions. The crucial requirement for the packages to be checked is the architectural features providing possibility of real time execution.