Experimental and numerical verification of bifurcations and chaos in cam-follower impacting systems

In this paper, we present the design, modelling and experimental validation of a novel experimental cam-follower rig for the analysis of bifurcations and chaos in piecewise-smooth dynamical systems with impacts. Experimental results are presented for a cam-follower system characterized by a radial cam and a flat-faced follower. Under variation of the cam rotational speed, the follower is observed to detach from the cam and then show the emergence of periodic impacting behaviour characterized by many impacts and chattering. Further variations of the cam speed cause the sudden transition to seemingly aperiodic behaviour. These results are compared with the numerical simulation of a mathematical model of the system which shows the same qualitative behaviour. Excellent quantitative agreement is found between the numerical and experimental results.     

Nonlinear dynamics of a Jeffcott rotor with torsional deformations and rotor-stator contact

The dynamics of a modified Jeffcott rotor is studied, including rotor torsional deformation and rotor-stator contact. Conditions are studied under which the rotor undergoes either forward synchronous whirling or self-excited backward whirling motions with continuous stator contact. For forward whirling, the effect on the response is investigated for two commonly used rotor-stator friction models, namely, the simple Coulomb friction and a generalized Coulomb law with cubic dependence on the relative slip velocity. For cases with and without the rotor torsional degree of freedom, analytical estimates and numerical bifurcation analyses are used to map out regions in the space of drive speed and a friction parameter, where rotor-stator contact exists. The nature of the bifurcations in which stability is lost are highlighted. For forward synchronous whirling fold, Hopf, lift-off, and period-doubling bifurcations are encountered. Additionally, for backward whirling, regions of transitions from pure sticking to stick-slip oscillations are numerically delineated.     

Steady-State dynamics of a linear structure weakly coupled to an essentially nonlinear oscillator

We present a theoretical study of the dynamics of the coupled system of Jiang, McFarland, Bergman, and Vakakis. It comprises a harmonically excited linear subsystem weakly coupled to an essentially nonlinear oscillator. We explored the rich dynamics exhibited by this coupled system by determining its periodic responses and their bifurcations. Not surprisingly, we found a lot of interesting dynamics over a broad frequency range: cyclic-fold, Hopf, symmetry-breaking, and period-doubling bifurcations; phase-locked motions; regions with multiple coexisting solutions; hysteresis; and chaos. We did not find any occurrence of energy transfer via modulation (also known as zero-to-one internal resonance); theoretically, the possibility of its occurrence was ruled out for systems with weak nonlinearity and damping. Finally, we investigated the ef fectiveness of the so-called nonlinear energy sink (NES) in vibration attenuation of forced linear structures. We found that the NES results in an increase in the vibration amplitude of the linear subsystem, especially when the damping is low, contrary to the claim made by Jiang et al. Also, we did not find any indication of nonlinear energy pumping or localization of energy in the NES, away from the directly forced linear subsystem, indicating that the NES is not ef fective for controlling the vibrations of forced linear structures.     

Periodic-impact motions and bifurcations in dynamics of a plastic impact oscillator with a frictional slider

A two-degree-of-freedom plastic impact oscillator with a frictional slider is considered. Dynamics of the plastic impact oscillator are analyzed by a three-dimensional map, which describes free flight and sticking solutions of two masses of the system, between impacts, supplemented by transition conditions at the instants of impacts. Piecewise property and singularity are found to exist in the impact Poincaré map. The piecewise property of the map is caused by the transitions of free flight and sticking motions of two masses immediately after the impact, and the singularity of the map is generated via the grazing contact of two masses immediately before the impact. These properties of the map have been shown to exhibit particular types of sliding and grazing bifurcations of periodic-impact motions under parameter variation. The influence of piecewise property, grazing singularity and parameter variation on dynamics of the vibro-impact system is analyzed. The global bifurcation diagrams of before-impact velocity as a function of the excitation frequency are plotted to predict much of the qualitative behavior of the system. The global bifurcations of period-N single-impact motions of the plastic impact oscillator are found to exhibit extensive and systematic characteristics. Dynamics of the impact oscillator, in the elastic impact case, is also analyzed. This type of impact is modelled by using the conditions of conservation of momentum and an instantaneous coefficient of restitution rule. The differences in periodic-impact motions and bifurcations are found by making a comparison between dynamic behaviors of the plastic and elastic impact oscillators with a frictional slider. The best progression of the plastic impact oscillator is found to occur in period-1 single-impact sticking motion with large impact velocity. The largest progression of the elastic impact oscillator occurs in period-1 multi-impact motion. The simulative results show that the plastic impact feature for the impact-progressive oscillator is of a considerable importance in minimizing adverse effects such as high noise levels, wear and tear caused by impacts.     

Experimental study of an impact oscillator with viscoelastic and Hertzian contact

Modeling an impact event is often related to the desired outcome of an impact oscillator study. If the only intent is to study the dynamic behavior of the system, numerous researchers have shown that simpler impact models will often suffice. However, when the geometric contours and material properties of the two colliding surfaces are known, it is often of interest to model the contact event at a greater level of complexity. This paper investigates the application of a finite time impact model to the study of a parametrically excited planar pendulum subjected to a motion-dependent discontinuity. Experimental and numerical studies demonstrate the presence of multiple periodic attractors, subharmonics, quasi-periodic motions, and chaotic oscillations.     

Numerical study of the parametric evolution of bifurcations in the three-dimensional ring problem of N bodies

We study the dynamics of a massless particle in an annular configuration of N bodies, N − 1 of which have equal masses m and are located in equal distances on a fictitious circle and one has mass βm and is located at the center of the circle. Our interest is focused on the bifurcation points from planar to three-dimensional families of symmetric periodic orbits in the above problem. We study numerically the evolution of these bifurcation points with respect to the variation of the mass parameter β. In particular we investigate the continuous evolution of bifurcation points for values of β from 2 up to 1000. The two distinct cases of the system’s behavior at β = 2 and 1000 are examined comparatively and various conclusions are drawn regarding the overall dynamical evolution of the three-dimensional system as the relative mass of the central body grows.     

A stochastic interrogation method for experimental measurements of global dynamics and basin evolution: Application to a two-well oscillator

An experimental study of local and global bifurcations in a driven two-well magneto-mechanical oscillator is presented. A detailed picture of the local bifurcation structure of the system is obtained using an automated bifurcation data acquisition system. Basins of attractions for the system are obtained using a new experimental technique: an ensemble of initial conditions is generated by switching between stochastic and deterministic excitation. Using this stochastic interrogation method, we observe the evolution of basins of attraction in the nonlinear oscillator as the forcing amplitude is increased, and find evidence for homoclinic bifurcation before the onset of chaos. Since the entire transient is collected for each initial condition, the same data can be used to obtain pictures of the flow of points in phase space. Using Liouville's Theorem, we obtain damping estimates by calculating the contraction of volumes under the action of the Poincaré map, and show that they are in good agreement with the results of more conventional damping estimation methods. Finally, the stochastic interrogation data is used to estimate transition probability matrices for finite partitions of the Poincaré section. Using these matrices, the evolution of probability densities can be studied.     

Free oscillatory shear measurements —an interesting application of constant stress rheometers in the creep mode

A constant stress rheometer in the creep mode was used to perform free oscillatory shear measurements on soft solids. The results obtained are in good to excellent agreement compared to forced oscillatory shear measurement data. Depending on the rheologic properties of the sample and the moment of inertia of the rotating device of the measurement system, free oscillations are suited to confirm or supplemented forced oscillatory measurement results.Dedicated to Professor W. Nitsch on the occasion of his 60^th birthday.     

Experimental study of regular and chaotic transients in a non-smooth system

This paper focuses on thoroughly exploring the finite-time transient behaviors occurring in a periodically driven non-smooth dynamical system. Prior to settling down into a long-term behavior, such as a periodic forced oscillation, or a chaotic attractor, responses may exhibit a variety of transient behaviors involving regular dynamics, co-existing attractors, and super-persistent chaotic transients. A simple and fundamental impacting mechanical system is used to demonstrate generic transient behavior in an experimental setting for a single degree of freedom non-smooth mechanical oscillator. Specifically, we consider a horizontally driven rigid-arm pendulum system that impacts an inclined rigid barrier. The forcing frequency of the horizontal oscillations is used as a bifurcation parameter. An important feature of this study is the systematic generation of generic experimental initial conditions, allowing a more thorough investigation of basins of attraction when multiple attractors are present. This approach also yields a perspective on some sensitive features associated with grazing bifurcations. In particular, super-persistent chaotic transients lasting much longer than the conventional settling time (associated with linear viscous damping) are characterized and distinguished from regular dynamics for the first time in an experimental mechanical system.     

Experimental study on dynamics of an oblique-impact vibrating system of two degrees of freedom

The paper presents a detailed experimental study of an oblique-impact vibration system of two degrees of freedom. The primary objective of the study is to verify the hypothesis of instantaneous impact in the oblique-impact process of two elastic bodies such that the incremental impulse method works for computing the nonlinear dynamics of the oblique-impact vibrating systems. The experimental setup designed for the objective consists of a harmonically excited oscillator and a pendulum, which obliquely impacts the oscillator. In the study, the dynamic equation of the experimental setup was established first, and then the system dynamics was numerically simulated by virtue of the incremental impulse method. Afterwards, rich dynamic phenomena, such as the periodic vibro-impacts, chaotic vibro-impacts and typical bifurcations, were observed in a series of experiments. The comparison between the experimental results and the numerical simulations indicates that the incremental impulse method is reasonable and successful to describe the dynamics during an oblique-impact process of two elastic bodies. The study also shows the limitation of the hypothesis of instantaneous impact in an oblique-impact process. That is, the hypothesis only holds true in the case when the impact angle is not too large and the relative approaching velocity in the normal direction is not too low. Furthermore, the paper gives the analysis of the tangential rigid-body slip on the contact surface in the case of a large impact angle, and explains why there exist some discrepancies between the numerical simulations and the experimental results.     

Experimental Study of Self-Oscillations Developing in a Swirling-Jet Flow

The results of an experimental investigation of the periodic pressure oscillations developing in a submerged swirling jet flowing out into an open space are presented. The main governing parameters of the process are determined and a general dependence relating the oscillation frequency with the governing parameters over a wide range of parameter variation is established experimentally. On the basis of this dependence, an empirical formula for calculating the oscillation frequency is proposed.     

In search of physical parameters influenced by flow patterns in a heterogeneous two-phase mixture in microchannels using concomitant measurements

Space transportation systems require high-performance thermal protection and fluid management for systems ranging from cryogenic fluid devices to primary structures, and for propulsion systems exposed to extremely high temperatures, and other space systems, e.g., integrated circuits and cooling/environment control devices for advanced space suits. Although considerable developmental effort is underway to bring promising technologies to a readiness level for practical use, new and innovative methods are still needed. One such method is the Advanced Micro Cooling Module (AMCM), essentially a compact two-phase heat exchanger constructed of microchannels and designed to rapidly remove large quantities of heat from critical systems by incorporating phase transition. This paper describes the results of experimental research in two-phase flow phenomena, encompassing both an experimental and an analytical approach to the incorporation of flow patterns for air–water mixtures flowing in microchannels. Specifically addressed are: (1) design and construction of a sensitive two-phase experimental system which measures both ac and dc components of in situ physical mixture parameters including spatial concentration, using concomitant methods; (2) data acquisition and analysis in the amplitude, time, and frequency domains; and (3) analysis of results including evaluation of in situ physical parameters, and assessment of their validity for application in flow pattern determination.     

Experimental investigation of heat transfer in a packed duct with unequal wall temperatures

Wall-to-air forced convective heat transfer has been measured in a rectangular duct with unequal wall temperatures. The measurements were taken for a developing region in laminar flow. A uniform heat flux was supplied to the front wall of the duct. Heat transfer coefficients were measured in the empty and packed duct for various airflow rates and for different diameters of Raschig ring type packings. Measurements indicate that there is a considerable increase in the value of heat transfer coefficient for a packed duct over that for a duct with an empty flow passage.     

Nonlinear flexural-flexural-torsional interactions in beams including the effect of torsional dynamics. I: Primary resonance

Nonlinear coupling between torsional and both in-plane and out-of-plane flexural motion is examined for inextensional beams (or beam-like structures) whose torsional and flexural eigenfrequencies are of the same order. The analysis presented here is based on a consistent set of nonlinear differential equations which contain both curvature and inertia nonlinearities, and account for torsional dynamics. Response characteristics, including stability, are determined for cantilever beams subjected to a lateral periodic excitation. The beam's response in the presence of a one-to-one internal resonance involving a torsional frequency and an in-plane bending frequency is investigated in detail.     

Nonlinear flexural-flexural-torsional interactions in beams including the effect of torsional dynamics. II: Combination resonance

In Part I of this work nonlinear coupling between torsional motion and both in-plane and out-of-plane flexural motion was examined for inextensional beams in the presence of a one-to-one internal resonance. Here the nonlinear response of the system considered in Part I is investigated for the case of an internal combination resonance involving modes associated with bending in two directions and torsion. The analysis presented is based on a consistent set of nonlinear differential equations which contain both curvature and inertia nonlinearities and account for torsional dynamics.     

Experimental investigation on heat transfer and frictional characteristics of vertical upward rifled tube in supercritical CFB boiler

Water wall design is a key issue for supercritical Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) boiler. On account of the good heat transfer performance, rifled tube is applied in the water wall design of a 600 MW supercritical CFB boiler in China. In order to investigate the heat transfer and frictional characteristics of the rifled tube with vertical upward flow, an in-depth experiment was conducted in the range of pressure from 12 to 30 MPa, mass flux from 230 to 1200 kg/(m² s), and inner wall heat flux from 130 to 720 kW/m². The wall temperature distribution and pressure drop in the rifled tube were obtained in the experiment. The normal, enhanced and deteriorated heat transfer characteristics were also captured. In this paper, the effects of pressure, inner wall heat flux and mass flux on heat transfer characteristics are analyzed, the heat transfer mechanism and the frictional resistance performance are discussed, and the corresponding empirical correlations are presented. The experimental results show that the rifled tube can effectively prevent the occurrence of Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB) and keep the tube wall temperature in a permissible range under the operating condition of supercritical CFB boiler.     

Experimental investigation of turbulent natural convection flow in a channel

This paper presents the results of velocity measurements of natural convection in symmetrically heated vertical channel using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. Velocity measurements were conducted at three different sections on the horizontal plane to validate the flow two-dimensionality and at three different heights in the vertical plane to establish vertical mean velocity profiles. The results indicate a considerable influence of the Rayleigh number and aspect ratio on the mean velocity profile. The results also indicate significant diffusion rates of the vertical mean velocity component and normal Reynolds stresses towards the center of the channel.     

Experimental and numerical study of mixed convection with flow reversal in coaxial double-duct heat exchangers

Velocity vectors in a vertical coaxial double-duct heat exchanger for parallel ascending flow of water under conditions of laminar mixed convection have been determined experimentally using the particle image velocimetry technique. The measured velocity distributions for large annular flow rates, resulting in an essentially isothermal environment for the stream in the inner tube, are in very good agreement with corresponding numerical predictions. For flow rates of the same order of magnitude in the inner tube and the annulus, and corresponding temperature differences of about 20 °C, experimental observations show that flow reversal occurs simultaneously in both streams over large axial distances for both heating and cooling of the flow in the inner tube.     

Experimental evidence of Pochammer-Chree strain variations in elastic cylinders

Experimental studies were conducted on the variation of axial strain over the cross section of an elastic cylinder as a transient compressive pulse propagates longitudinally along the cylinder. Results from perimeter-mounted strain gages are analyzed in the frequency domain and compared with theoretical predictions for first-mode propagation as derived from the Pochammer-Chree analysis. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental and theoretical results for low to moderate frequencies .At higher frequencies, the agreement is less clear, and it is suggested that there may be evidence of higher mode oscillations.     

Experimental Methods in Testing of Tissues and Implants*

Three experimental tasks are of primary interest in biomechanics: determination of the mechanical properties of biomaterials, including tissues and artificial materials; validation of the mechanical reliability of implantable devices; assessment of the compatibility of the mechanical properties of such devices with the surrounding biological environment. Due to the complexity of the in vivo conditions, most of these studies are performed on in vitro models. This contribution presents a review of some methods that are currently utilised at the Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics at the Politecnico of Milan.