Equivalent linear models for non-linear non-autonomous systems

Equivalence between a class of non-linear non-autonomous systems of second order and a linear model of lower order is established through a differential transformation relation. It is shown that this equivalence can be established only under a certain constraint on the non-linear functional parameters of the given system. The equivalence automatically leads to the first integral which then can be analyzed further to obtain the response of the system. The feasibility of obtaining closed form solutions through such analysis is illustrated by considering certain sub-classes of systems. Further, the practical value of the technique is demonstrated through an example.