Hypercomplex Quaternions and Higher-Order Analysis of Spatial Kinematic Chains

This paper introduces a novel computational method for analyzing the higher-order acceleration field of spatial kinematics chains. The method is based on vector and quaternionic calculus, as well as dual and multidual algebra. A closed-form coordinate-free solution generated by the morphism between the Lie group of rigid body displacements and the unit multidual quaternions is presented. Presented solution is used for higher-order kinematics investigation of lower-pair serial chains. Additionally, a general method for studying the vector field of arbitrary higher-order accelerations is discribed. The method utilizes the “automatic differentiation” feature of multidual and hyper-multidual functions to obtain the higher-order derivative of a rigid body pose without need in further differentiation of the body pose regarding time. Also is proved that all information regarding the properties of the distribution of higher-order accelerations is contained in the specified unit hyper-multidual quaternion.