Advanced Dynamics Simulation for Flexible Multibody Systems

kdFlex is a powerful general purpose simulation development toolkit for the modeling and simulation of rigid and flexible multibody dynamics. It supports system nonlinear dynamics of coupled rigid and flexible multibody systems with general and time-varying topologies. kdFlex can be used for analysis, real-time closed-loop simulations, within hardware-in-the-loop testbeds, and embedded within control and autonomy stacks for real-time mechanism modeling. A rich and modern C++ and Python API allows users to adapt and tailor kdFlex to a broad spectrum of dynamics needs.  

Current multibody modeling paradigms demand a choice between speed and fidelity. With kdFlex, you can get both! By combining speed, high fidelity, versatility, a rich API, modern software engineering methods, and comprehensive capabilities, kdFlex offers a one-stop solution for robotics, aerospace, closed loop control, autonomy, loads and structures, vehicles, heavy machinery, protein folding dynamics and more applications. kdFlex’s multi-domain, multi-discipline and multi-project approach has proven to overcome the pitfalls of expensive dynamics simulation solutions within enterprises. kdFlex is built upon mature and validated hi-fidelity dynamics modeling capabilities used to power NASA/JPL flagship missions including Cassini, Mars Landers, Mars Ingenuity Helicopter, ARTEMIS I and several autonomous robotics technology projects.
satellite in orbit
Fast and High-fidelity Dynamics
Provides fast multibody dynamics algorithms suitable for real-time use, with accurate rigid/flex body dynamics
Lifecycle Capabilities
Full featured dynamics modeling for both development and real-time applications
Feature-rich C++/Python API
Rich SDK style C++/Python API that allows tailoring of modeling & simulation solutions to life cycle needs from concept development to real-time hardware-in-the-loop testbed use
Cutting Edge Methodology
The breakthrough methodology powering kdFlex has a long and successful history of use across a broad range of NASA, DoD, NIH technology and mission critical applications
Success Stories
The technology behind kdFlex has been proven time and time again through use by some of the most advanced spaceflight missions in the last few decades.
cassini space mission satellite with saturn
Cassini
Explored Saturn, its rings, and moons for 13 years
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
FED Alpha
Demonstration and validation of the Next Generation NATO Reference Mobility Model (NG-NRMM)
nasa mission space station earth topography
SRTM
Mapped Earth's topography using radar from the Space Shuttle
mars science lab mission rover
MSL
Landed Curiosity rover to study Mars' habitability and geology
Dream Chaser
Reusable spaceplane for ISS cargo resupply missions
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
Phoenix
Analyzed Martian ice and soil for signs of past life
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
EELS
Autonomous robot for exploring extreme environments on Earth and beyond.
Ascent Abort II
Tested Orion's launch abort system for crew safety
mars insight lander mission nasa
Insight
Studied Mars' interior structure with seismometers and heat probes
Artemis I
Uncrewed mission testing systems for future lunar exploration
mars 2020 mission rover nasa jpl
Mars2020
Perseverance rover searched for signs of ancient microbial life
ingenuity mars helicopter nasa jpl mission
Ingenuity
First powered flight on Mars with a small helicopter
cassini space mission satellite with saturn
Cassini
Explored Saturn, its rings, and moons for 13 years
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
FED Alpha
Analyzed Martian ice and soil for signs of past life
nasa mission space station earth topography
SRTM
Mapped Earth's topography using radar from the Space Shuttle
mars science lab mission rover
MSL
Landed Curiosity rover to study Mars' habitability and geology
Dream Chaser
Reusable spaceplane for ISS cargo resupply missions
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
Phoenix
Analyzed Martian ice and soil for signs of past life
phoenix mars mission water life analysis
EELS
Analyzed Martian ice and soil for signs of past life
Ascent Abort II
Tested Orion's launch abort system for crew safety
mars insight lander mission nasa
Insight
Studied Mars' interior structure with seismometers and heat probes
Artemis I
Uncrewed mission testing systems for future lunar exploration
mars 2020 mission rover nasa jpl
Mars2020
Perseverance rover searched for signs of ancient microbial life
ingenuity mars helicopter nasa jpl mission
Ingenuity
First powered flight on Mars with a small helicopter