Non-iterative Rauscher method for 1-DOF system: a new approach to studying non-autonomous system via equivalent autonomous one

Rauscher method becomes the matter of interest because in combination with the method of nonlinear normal vibration modes it allows to calculate steady forced vibrations in the system with multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) via reduction in the number of DOFs. However, modern realizations of that approach have drawbacks such as iterative nature and the need to have initial approximation for the solution. The primary principle of Rauscher method is in obtaining periodic solutions of a non-autonomous system via studying some equivalent autonomous one. In the paper, a new non-iterative variant of Rauscher method is considered. In its current statement, the method can be used in analysis of forced harmonic oscillations in a nonlinear system with one degree of freedom. The primary goals of the study were to find out what kind of equivalent autonomous systems could be built for a given non-autonomous one and how they can be used for the construction of periodic solutions and/or periodic phase plane orbits of the initial system. It is shown that three different types of equivalent autonomous dynamical systems can be built for a given 1-DOF non-autonomous one. The system of 1st type is a fourth-order dynamical system. Technically it can be considered as a 2-DOF system where additional “DOF” is explicitly “responsible” for forced oscillations. The system of 2nd type is a third-order dynamical system. Its periodic orbits are exactly the same as in the initial system. Using the invariant manifold of the system of 1st type, the system of 2nd type can be reduced to the form \(W(x,x')=0\) (which is called here the equivalent system of the 3rd type). It is important that the function \(W(x,x')\) can be built a priori. Once \(W(x,x')\) is found: (i) one can obtain different periodical orbits corresponding to forced oscillations in the initial system; (ii) one can estimate amplitudes of vibrations for these regimes; (iii) one can track bifurcations of periodical regimes of the initial system with respect to change in amplitude of external excitation f. As shown in the paper, periodical orbits of the initial non-autonomous system can be obtained via two different approaches: (i) as set of points on phase plane satisfying the condition \(W(x,x')=0\); (ii) via the application of harmonic balance method to the equivalent system of 1st type using system’s energy level as a continuation parameter. This approach has advantage over application of harmonic balance method to initial system because the latter requires good initial guess for expansion coefficients, while the new approach does not and always starts from zero initial guess.