Best practices in teaching flexible multibody dynamics

Using techniques from flexible multibody dynamics, it is possible to simulate the motion of mechanical systems in which bodies are subjected to large rigid body motions. Assuming that a body's local elastic deformation remains small, one can use linear finite element models to describe a body's flexible behavior. A dedicated course on flexible multibody dynamics was introduced at the University of Twente in 2016 successfully. In this article, the authors discuss the learning objectives of this course, its setup and examination. It is explained how theoretical lectures and practical working classes for numerical implementation can be organized as parallel activities by the means of 7 efficient weekly learning modules. For each module, important aspects with regards to study success or student motivation are explained. In this way, the authors wish to contribute to the successful teaching of flexible multibody dynamics by the engineering dynamics communities at other institutes.