MSNDC 2026

VENUE: HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON, HOUSTON, Tx, USA

DATES: August 23-26, 2026

ORGANIZERS:

James R. Chagdes, Miami University
Andrea Zanoni, Politecnico di Milano
Francesco Danzi, California Merced
Xinxin Yu, Tampere University

Overview

The International Conference on Multibody Systems, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Control (MSNDC) is held annually at the ASME IDETC-CIE Conference. It is a premier meeting event for professional networking and research exchange across the multibody systems and nonlinear dynamics technical community. The conference facilitates the dissemination of fundamental research in the enabling disciplines as well as research into their application to engineered or naturally occurring mechanical systems across all length and time scales.

HIGHLIGHTS

Special issue of JCND Selected papers will be considered for journal publication

Student Paper Competition with cash awards

Best Paper Competition  All full-length papers will be considered

Keynote Lectures

JCND BEST PAPER AWARD LECTURE – TBA

TBA

D’ALEMBERT AWARD LECTURE – TBA

TBA

MULTIBODY SYSTEMS KEYNOTE – OLIVIER BRÜLS

TBA

NONLINEAR DYNAMICS KEYNOTE – ANIL BAJAJ

TBA

Call for Papers

Paper submission

Full-paper submission
  • Recommended Length: 10 pages
  • Best Paper Award: All papers are automatically considered for this award.
  • Submission Template: Latex
Presentation-only submission
  • Submission Process: Please submit an extended abstract (maximum 2 pages) describing the content of your planned presentation. You may use the same template as for full paper submissions. Note that the deadline for extended abstracts is later than that for full papers.
  • Review Process: The extended abstract will be reviewed for relevance to the conference. 
  • Publication Information: The abstract will be used only in the review stage, and will not be published in the proceedings. Thus, the work will also not be copyrighted by ASME.
Student Paper Competition Information

Finalists of the Student Paper Competition will be awarded cash prizes

Submission Guidelines

  • Please submit your paper as a regular “technical paper publication” on the conference submission site (select MSNDC). The conference organizers will identify the papers eligible for the student paper competition.
  • Please  submit to the symposium that best matches the technical content of the paper.

There will be no direct submissions to student paper competition.
During the submission of your work, check the box:

  • ELIGIBILITY: The lead author and presenter must be a student
  • The 10-page maximum limit will be strictly enforced to ensure fairness. Competitive papers longer than 10-pages may be asked to resubmit a 10-page version prior to final evaluation.

The anticipated evaluation criteria are listed below to aid the authors. Both the paper and presentation will be evaluated.

Manuscript Evaluation

  • Originality: 
    • Distinguishing the paper from the authors’ previous work
    • Distinguishing the paper from the research in that area
  • Technical content and quality: 
    • Literature review
    • Method description
    • Results and analysis of the results
    • Novelty of the method 
  • Relevance and contribution: 
    • Relevance of the paper to the symposium topic
    • Contribution of the paper to the symposium topic 
  • Organization and clarity:
    • Fluency of the paper
    • Definition of the mathematical terms and concepts used in the paper
    • Quality of the figures 
    • Relevance of the figure captions with the content of the figures
    • References to the figure in the text
    • Necessary information about the paper and contribution in the abstract and conclusion 

Presentation Evaluation

  • Introduction: 
    • The research question/hypothesis was clearly stated.
    • The goals and specific objectives were presented.
    • The project had sufficient, supporting background.
  • Methods and results:
    • The methods were clearly outlines/explained.
    • The presented acknowledged limitations of the study.
    • The results were clearly explained/highlighted.
  • Conclusions: 
    • A review/summary of the project was presented.
    • The significance of the results was discussed.
    • The applicability of the results was discussed.
  • Presentation style: 
    • Presentation was clear, readable, well-structured, and logical.
    • The presentation fit into the allotted time.
    • 8
    • The student seemed knowledgeable, exhibited good voice projection and confidence, and responded well to questions from the audience.

Deadlines

  • Submission of Full-Length Draft Paper and Abstracts for Presentation Only Submissions: March 16, 2026
  • Paper Reviews Completed: April 20, 2026
  • Author Notification of Decision: April 27, 2026
  • Submission of Copyright Form:  May 18, 2026
  • Final Paper Submission: May 19, 2026
  • Registration Date: May 19, 2026

TOPICS

MSNDC-01 Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of Smart Structures and Systems
(Cross-Listed with VIB-01 and MNS-01)
Andrea Arena, Sapienza University of Rome, andrea.arena@uniroma1.it
Francesco Danzi, University of California Merced, fdanzi@ucmerced.edu

The Symposium is focused on Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of Smart Structures and Systems across different scales, from the nano- to the meso-scale, including nanocomposites and metamaterials-based structures, MEMS and NEMS, and the macro-scale, including complex mechanical systems. The relevant systems involve innovative applications in the field of mechanical engineering. The symposium gathers researchers from industry, academia, and government agencies working in the most innovative areas of nonlinear dynamics and vibration to discuss recent developments in experimental, analytical, and numerical techniques as applied to the synthesis, characterization, and control of Smart Materials and Structures, and Complex Systems. Papers are welcome in the area of analytical modeling and numerical simulations of linear and nonlinear dynamic phenomena, numerical and analytical studies on the dynamic stability of systems, wave propagation and absorption, vibration control and experimental characterization of nonlinear dynamic behaviors. The symposium also intends to encourage interactions between theoretical and applied researchers working in the most innovative areas of nonlinear dynamics. The symposium will also be a great opportunity for disseminating recent developments of experimental, analytical and numerical techniques, and for discussing novel phenomena and behaviors characterizing smart materials and structures. The symposium “Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of Smart Structures and Systems” will cover, but will not be limited to, the following topics:

  • Characterization of the vibration and dynamic response of smart structures and systems;
  • Reduced-order modeling of smart structures and systems;
  • Nonlinear dynamics of continuous and discontinuous mechanical systems;
  • Nonlinear dynamic phenomena and interactions in mechanical systems and structures;
  • Dynamic stability of nonlinear systems due to multiphysics interaction;
  • Experimental studies of observed linear and nonlinear dynamic phenomena;
  • Wave propagation and absorption in smart structures and systems;
  • Bifurcations and chaos in dynamic systems;
  • Asymptotic methods in nonlinear dynamics;
  • Non-smooth systems;
  • Novel vibration control devices;
  • Hybrid techniques that blend active and passive vibration control;
  • Dynamics and vibrations of MEMS and NEMS;
  • Dynamics and control of multi-body micro- and nano-systems;
  • Dynamics and control of coupled thermal, electrostatic, magnetic, elastic MEMS/NEMS;
  • Collective behaviors, such as localization and synchronization in MEMS/ NEMS;
  • Innovative concepts of sensing and actuating based on nonlinear MEMS/ NEMS;
MSNDC-02 Nonlinear Dynamics of Systems and Nonlinear Phenomena
(Cross-Listed with VIB-02)
Dumitru Caruntu, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, dimitru.caruntu@utrgv.edu
Ashu Sharma, Auburn University, asharma@auburn.edu, asharma@auburn.edu

Real-world problems seldom adhere to linear or nearly linear behaviors. Decades of work has led to the explorations of a galaxy of nonlinear dynamics phenomena, unveiling terrains for exciting applications across the spectrum of science and engineering. Today, we stand witness to the flourishing of significant and exciting new advances in nonlinear dynamics far beyond the known limitations. This forthcoming joint symposium is designed to serve as a forum for exchanging insights and discussions on recent breakthroughs in theoretical, computational, experimental, and applied aspects of modeling, analyzing, and controlling nonlinear systems. Papers in the following areas are particularly encouraged:

  • Nonlinear Resonances, Phenomena, and Interactions;
  • Dynamic Systems with Time-Variability, Delay, or Discontinuities;
  • Reduced-Order Modelling;
  • Fractional Dynamics;
  • Structural Dynamics;
  • Flexible Slender Structures;
  • Nonlinear Energy Transfers and Harvesting;
  • Vibration and Stability of Systems;
  • Computational Methods;
  • Optimization and Control;
  • Sensitivity Analysis and Design;
  • Nonlinear Dynamics and Fracture of Composite Structures;
  • Nonlinear Metamaterials and Metastructures;
  • Soft Systems and Structures;
  • Nonlinear Noisy Systems.
MSNDC-03 Contact Dynamics of Mechanical Structures
(Cross-Listed with VIB-03)
João Paulo Flores Fernandes, University of Minho, pflores@dem.uminho.pt

This symposium is focused on the study of mechanical joints, contact, friction, and damping.  The aim is to promote discussion, enhance understanding, and generate new insights into the connections between tribological-level friction, contact mechanics, and the dynamic responses of built-up assemblies with mechanical contact at a structural level. This symposium invites papers addressing all aspects of the dynamics and mechanics of contact and friction, with particular emphasis on the following challenges: reduced order modeling, advanced analytical/numerical methods, nonlinear analysis, nonlinear normal modes, data-driven methods, and reverse modeling and system identification. Other key areas of interest include hysteresis in jointed structures, the repeatability and variability of response, physical theories and studies of friction, measurements and predictions of energy dissipation and damping, methods to account for uncertainty and nonlinearity in structures with contact and friction, and the development and validation of predictive models of contact.

MSNDC-04 Data-Driven and Machine Learning Techniques in Vibrations and Dynamics
(Cross-Listed with VIB-04)
Amin Ghadami, University of Southern California, ghadami@usc.edu
Vipin Kumar Agarwal, University of Memphis, vipin.a@memphis.edu

This symposium aims to bring together researchers advancing the use of data-driven and machine learning techniques in the fields of vibrations and dynamics. These approaches have shown significant promise in advancing the fields of vibrations and dynamics, offering innovative techniques to model, understand, and control complex systems and structures. This symposium will highlight cutting-edge research, methodologies, and applications that leverage state-of-the-art data-driven methods and machine learning techniques within the domain of vibrations and dynamics. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, the following applications of data-driven and machine learning techniques in vibrations and dynamics:

  • Time series analysis and prediction;
  • Dynamic modeling and vibration analysis of nonlinear systems and structures;
  • Discovery of governing equations;
  • Reduced-order modeling in vibrations and dynamics;
  • Feature extraction for vibrations and dynamics;
  • Integration of physics-based models with data-driven methods for improved understanding;
  • Control of vibrations and dynamics;
  • Predictive maintenance and condition monitoring of mechanical systems.
MSNDC-05 Industry Applications of Vibration, Shock, Acoustics and Dynamics
(Cross-Listed with VIB-05)
Ata Donmez, Ohio State University, donmez.4@osu.edu
Isaac Hong, Ohio State University, hong.250@osu.edu

The symposium on Industrial Applications of Vibration, Shock, Acoustics, and Dynamics provides a forum for sharing ideas, activities, best practices, and innovative solutions to applied problems faced by industry, national laboratories, academia, and related partners. Applications ranging from the automotive industry to national defense increasingly require innovative analysis, simulation and testing to solve complex problems involving vibration, acoustics, and dynamics phenomena. Abstracts are invited that cover standard and nonstandard, multi-disciplinary, and systems-level techniques in vibration, acoustics, dynamics, and related areas of application.

MSNDC-06 Dynamics of Biological, Bio-Inspired and Biomimetic Systems
James R. Chagdes, Miami University, james.chagdes@miamioh.edu  
Adam Kłodowski, LUT University, adam.klodowski@lut.fi
Sachin Goyal, University of California (Merced), sgoyal2@ucmerced.edu

This symposium brings together a diverse set of researchers who are at the forefront of the emerging field of studying the dynamic aspects of Biological, Bio-inspired and Biomimetic Systems. Researchers conducting traditional or non-traditional academic research, or those driven by industrial applications present their experimental, analytical, and computational studies with Biological, Bio-Inspired and Biomimetic Systems at their focus.

MSNDC-07 Computational Methods and Software Tools in Multibody Systems and Nonlinear Dynamics
Francisco González, University of A Coruña, f.gonzalez@udc.es
Grzegorz Orzechowski, LUT University, grzegorz.orzechowski@lut.fi
Andrea Zanoni, Politecnico di Milano, andrea.zanoni@polimi.it

The symposium focuses on recent advances in theoretical, computational, and applied aspects related to the synthesis, simulation, analysis, control, and optimization of multibody systems and nonlinear dynamics. The scope of the symposium encompasses theoretical developments and novel algorithms, implementation techniques, experimentation and validation, and practical applications. Submissions are welcome on the following and related topics: efficient algorithms and computational strategies (including real-time simulation, Human/Hardware-in-the-Loop and System-in-the-Loop applications, reduced-order models and surrogate models); co-simulation problems (such as fluid/structure interaction and cyber-physical systems); sensitivity analysis and optimization strategies; uncertainty quantification, simulation and optimization under uncertainty; design of experiments and verification methods; and optimal design and control.

MSNDC-08 Motion Planning, Dynamics, and Control of Robots
(Cross-Listed with MR-05)
Andreas Müller, Johannes Kepler University Linz, a.mueller@jku.at

Papers are solicited in the areas of motion planning, dynamics, and control of robots and mechanisms. Theoretical, experimental, and computational aspects are all invited. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Legged and mobile robots;
  • Serial and parallel robots;
  • Cable robot and tensegrity mechanism;
  • Dynamic analysis, modeling, and simulation; 
  • Control methods and controller design;
  • Trajectory optimization and optimal control;
  • Applications of machine learning and AI;
  • Manipulation and locomotion;
  • Stability and efficiency;
  • Mission planning, path planning, and motion planning for robots and autonomous systems.
MSNDC-09 Advances in Vehicle Dynamics and Control
(Cross-Listed with AVT-01)
Hiroyuki Sugiyama, University of Iowa, hiroyuki-sugiyama@uiowa.edu
Paramsothy Jayakumar, US Army GVSC, paramsothy.jayakumar.civ@army.mil
Xinxin Yu, Tampere University, xinxin.yu@tuni.fi

This symposium highlights recent developments in multibody modeling of vehicle dynamics, including control, stability and multi-physics domain computation. Submissions are welcome in the fields of tire/terrain and wheel/rail interactions, vehicle control, including autonomous mobility, intelligent transportation systems, ride comfort, vehicle subsystem modeling, next-generation simulation tools, validation and verification. The symposium aims to provide a platform to discuss the latest research developments, while also welcoming presentations on cutting-edge industrial applications in vehicle modeling for advanced design, the development of digital twins, and advanced control systems.

MSNDC-10 Flexible Multibody Dynamics
Andreas Zwölfer, Technical University of Munich, andreas.zwoelfer@tum.de
Frank Naets, KU Leuven, frank.naets@kuleuven.be

The symposium invites submissions on finite element methods in dynamics and formulations for flexible multibody systems, such as the floating frame of reference and absolute nodal coordinate formulation, including approaches for model order reduction. We are interested in contributions addressing the dynamics of solids and slender structures undergoing large deformations, as well as related topics. Additionally, we welcome research in flexible multibody dynamics covering computational methods, analytical or data-driven approaches, experimental techniques, and applications, e.g., in industrial or biomechanical contexts.