Abstract: In order to solve the kinetic simulation problem of motional cable harness with unilateral constraints in the process of assembly and service, an physical modeling and simulation method of motional cable harness under smooth plane constraint is proposed which is based on the theory of thin elastic rod .The method analyzes the load conditions of motional cable harness, and expresses the constraint force in the form of a plane normal vector. The relative spatial relationship between nodes and plane is used as the constraint equations. The Kirchhoff equilibrium equation under distribution forces and the physical model of motional cable are attained. The model is solved by the method of nonlinear constrained optimization. Some examples are done based on different conditions. Furthermore, the proposed model and numerical solution is tested by comparing the simulated and the actual shape of motional cable. And the result shows that the model and solution can truly express the basic physical properties and deformation characteristics under smooth plane constraint.

Key words: kinetic simulation, motional cable harness, smooth plane constraint, theory of thin elastic rod