The high programming transfer matrix method for multibody systems is introduced systematically for the first time in this book. It includes the transfer matrix method for multibody systems, the transfer matrix method for linear multibody systems and the discrete time transfer matrix method for general multibody systems developed by authors, and its applications in engineering technology. The automatic deduction theorem of the overall transfer equation of a multibody system is established. The overall transfer equations of all kinds of multibody systems are deduced manually or by computer, providing a totally new method and means for studying the dynamics of multibody systems.

The first part of the book develops the transfer matrix method for linear multibody systems. The deduction method for all kinds of transfer matrices is presented. The new concepts of the body dynamics equation, augmented operators and augmented eigenvectors of linear multibody systems are put forward. The natural vibration characteristics of complex multi‐rigid‐flexible‐body systems are solved. The orthogonality of the augmented eigenvectors of a complex multi‐rigid‐flexible‐body system is verified. The exact analysis of the dynamics response of complex multi‐rigid‐flexible‐body systems is realized using the mode method. The second part of the book develops the general transfer matrix method for multibody systems. The third part illustrates the discrete time transfer matrix method for multibody systems and the transfer matrix method for controlled multibody systems. The derivation and computation method of the transfer matrix and theorem to deduce the overall transfer equation automatically are presented. Multi‐rigid‐body system dynamics, multi‐rigid‐flexible‐body system dynamics and controlled multibody system dynamics are computed using the transfer matrix method for multibody systems. The fourth part of the book gives the practical application results for the transfer matrix method for multibody systems in some important engineering applications, including the launch dynamics of a multiple launch rocket system, the launch dynamics of self‐propelled artillery and the launch dynamics of shipboard guns, which are the hotspots of weapon science in the international field at present. The numerous practical and research results presented demonstrate that these new theories and technologies are very effective for solving practical engineering problems. For example, the number of rockets consumed in testing the firing dispersion of a multiple launch rocket system is reduced 50–86% compared to the general testing method in many national high‐tech engineering projects when the new technology is used. The firing dispersion of multiple launch rocket systems and self‐propelled artillery are improved in many national high‐tech engineering projects using the new technology to improve the firing precision of weapons. A library of transfer matrices of various basic mechanics elements and controlled elements has been formulated, including a library of transfer matrix methods for linear multibody systems, a library of general transfer matrix methods for multibody systems and a library of discrete time transfer matrix methods for multibody systems. It is easy to compile the various types of multibody systems using these matrices. It is possible to model and compute complex multibody system dynamics with high computational speed without the global dynamics equation of the system.

This book can be used as a reference book by teachers, students and scientific researchers in the specialty of mechanical system dynamics. It can also be used as textbook for graduate students and as a reference book for science and technology researchers and engineers in the fields of weapons, aeronautics, astronautics, vehicles, shipping and robots.