An efficient support for computational technology and information management will be critical in future engineering information systems (EIS). This paper shows how it is possible to provide efficient data management capabilities to the discipline of multibody system (MBS) analysis.

The MECHAMOS prototype of a MBS analysis tool has been developed that is based on modem database technology. An object relational database management system, AMOS, has been extended with additional mathematical functionality by the use of Matlab and MapleV as computational engines. The MBS model is represented as a database model in AMOS and the analysis is based on Kane's equations of motion. These equations of motion are derived on symbolic form using a computer algebra system. A crank-roller example is used to illustrate the functionality of the implementation.

With this configuration, data is made fully accessible via the AMOSQL query language of AMOS. Hence, the MBS model can be represented and manipulated through a high-level query language that further extends the functionality of conventional MBS analysis. Furthermore, by providing the MBS application with general database technology, the data management will be more efficient. That is, it will be easier and more efficient to handle large amounts of data and the development and maintenance of MBS analysis system will be facilitated. Since MBS models are represented in a "neutral format" the reusability of these models increase and they will be more persistent to changes in the EIS environment.

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