Broadband passive targeted energy pumping from a linear dispersive rod to a lightweight essentially non-linear end attachment

We examine non-linear resonant interactions between a damped and forced dispersive linear finite rod and a lightweight essentially non-linear end attachment. We show that these interactions may lead to passive, broadband and on-way targeted energy flow from the rod to the attachment, which acts, in essence, as non-linear energy sink (NES). The transient dynamics of this system subject to shock excitation is examined numerically using a finite element (FE) formulation. Parametric studies are performed to examine the regions in parameter space where optimal (maximal) efficiency of targeted energy pumping from the rod to the NES occurs. Signal processing of the transient time series is then performed, employing energy transfer and/or exchange measures, wavelet transforms, empirical mode decomposition and Hilbert transforms. By computing intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of the transient responses of the NES and the edge of the rod, and examining resonance captures that occur between them, we are able to identify the non-linear resonance mechanisms that govern the (strong or weak) one-way energy transfers from the rod to the NES. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of using local lightweight non-linear attachments (NESs) as passive broadband energy absorbers of unwanted disturbances in continuous elastic structures, and investigates the dynamical mechanisms that govern the resonance interactions influencing this passive non-linear energy absorption.     

Interaction of free and forced nonlinear normal modes in two-DOF dissipative systems under resonance conditions

The resonance dynamics of a dissipative spring-mass and of a dissipative spring-pendulum system is studied. Internal resonance case is considered for the first system; both external resonances and simultaneous external and internal resonance are studied for the second one. Analysis of the systems resonance behavior is made on the base of the concept of nonlinear normal vibration modes (NNMs) by Kauderer and Rosenberg, which is generalized for dissipative systems. The multiple time scales method under resonance conditions is applied. The resulting equations are reduced to a system with respect to the system energy, arctangent of the amplitudes ratio and the difference of phases of required solution in the resonance vicinity. Equilibrium positions of the reduced system correspond to nonlinear normal modes; in energy dissipation case they are quasi-equilibriums. Analysis of the equilibrium states of the reduced system permits to investigate stability of nonlinear normal modes in the resonance vicinity and to describe transfer from unstable vibration mode to stable one. New vibration regimes, which are called transient nonlinear normal modes (TNNMs) are obtained. These regimes take place only for some particular levels of the system energy. In the vicinity of values of time, corresponding to these energy levels, the TTNM attract other system motions. Then, when the energy decreases, the transient modes vanish, and the system motions tend to another nonlinear normal mode, which is stable in the resonance vicinity. The reliability of the obtained analytical results is confirmed by numerical and numerical-analytical simulations.     

Numerical calculation of nonlinear normal modes in structural systems

This paper presents two methods for numerical calculation of nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) in multi-degree-of-freedom, conservative, nonlinear structural dynamics models. The approaches used are briefly described as follows. Method 1: Starting with small amplitude initial conditions determined by a selected mode of the associated linear system, a small amount of negative damping is added in order to “artificially destabilize” the system; numerical integration of the system equations of motion then produces a simulated response in which orbits spiral outward essentially in the nonlinear modal manifold of interest, approximately generating this manifold for moderate to strong nonlinearity. Method 2: Starting with moderate to large amplitude initial conditions proportional to a selected linear mode shape, perform numerical integration with the coefficient ε of the nonlinearity contrived to vary slowly from an initial value of zero; this simulation methodology gradually transforms the initially flat eigenspace for ε = 0 into the manifold existing quasi-statically for instantaneous values of ε. The two methods are efficient and reasonably accurate and are intended for use in finding NNMs, as well as interesting behavior associated with them, for moderately and strongly nonlinear systems with relatively many degrees of freedom (DOFs).     

Dynamics of two vibro-impact nonlinear energy sinks in parallel under periodic and transient excitations

A linear oscillator (LO) coupled with two vibro-impact (VI) nonlinear energy sinks (NES) in parallel is studied under periodic and transient excitations, respectively. The objective is to study response regimes and to compare their efficiency of vibration control. Through the analytical study with multiple scales method, two slow invariant manifolds (SIM) are obtained for two VI NES, and different SIM that result from different clearances analytically supports the principle of separate activation. In addition, fixed points are calculated and their positions are applied to judge response regimes. Transient responses and modulated responses can be further explained. By this way, all analysis is around the most efficient response regime. Then, numerical results demonstrate two typical responses and validate the effectiveness of analytical prediction. Finally, basic response regimes are experimentally observed and analyzed, and they can well explain the complicated variation of responses and their corresponding efficiency, not only for periodic excitations with a fixed frequency or a range of frequency, but also for transient excitation. Generally, vibration control is more effective when VI NES is activated with two impacts per cycle, whatever the types of excitation and the combinations of clearances. This observation is also well reflected by the separate activation of two VI NES with two different clearances, but at different levels of displacement amplitude of LO.     

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.     

Attractors of harmonically forced linear oscillator with attached nonlinear energy sink. II: Optimization of a nonlinear vibration absorber

This paper is the second one in the series of two papers devoted to detailed investigation of the response regimes of a linear oscillator with attached nonlinear energy sink (NES) under harmonic external forcing and assessment of possible application of the NES for vibration absorption and mitigation. In this paper, we study the performance of a strongly nonlinear, damped vibration absorber with relatively small mass attached to a periodically excited linear oscillator. We present a nonlinear absorber tuning procedure in the vicinity of (1:1) resonance which provides the best total system energy suppression, using analytical and numerical tools. A linear absorber is also tuned according to the same criterion of total system energy suppression as the nonlinear one. Both optimally tuned absorbers are compared under common parameters of damping, external forcing but different absorber stiffness characteristics; certain cases for which nonlinear absorber is preferable over the linear one are revealed and confirmed numerically.     

Localization of energy in nonlinear systems with two degrees of freedom

Energy pumping in a two-degrees-of-freedom system with linear and essentially nonlinear oscillators is studied. The kinetic energy envelopes of the linear and nonlinear subsystems are chosen to be the main characteristics of the process under consideration. A criterion that the energy of the linear oscillator excited at time zero is completely pumped over into the nonlinear oscillator is established together with an additional condition whereby the energy does not return to the linear subsystem. Optimal energy pumping mode is established using global optimization. The effect of the parameters of the system on the main characteristics is assessed __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 115–125, May 2007.     

Complex dynamics of a harmonically excited structure coupled with a nonlinear energy sink

Nonlinear behaviors are investigated for a structure coupled with a nonlinear energy sink. The structure is linear and subject to a harmonic excitation, modeled as a forced single-degree-of-freedom oscillator. The nonlinear energy sink is modeled as an oscillator consisting of a mass,a nonlinear spring, and a linear damper. Based on the numerical solutions, global bifurcation diagrams are presented to reveal the coexistence of periodic and chaotic motions for varying nonlinear energy sink mass and stiffness. Chaos is numerically identified via phase trajectories, power spectra,and Poincaré maps. Amplitude-frequency response curves are predicted by the method of harmonic balance for periodic steady-state responses. Their stabilities are analyzed.The Hopf bifurcation and the saddle-node bifurcation are determined. The investigation demonstrates that a nonlinear energy sink may create dynamic complexity.     

Bifurcation of nonlinear internal resonant normal modes of a class of multi-degree-of-freedom systems

The method of multiple scales is applied for constructing nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of a three-degree-of-freedom system which is discretized from a two-link flexible arm connected by a nonlinear torsional spring. The discrete system is with cubic nonlinearity and 1:3 internal resonance between the second and the third modes. The approximate solution for the NNM associated with internal resonance are presented. The NNMs determined here tend to the linear modes as the nonlinearity vanishes, which is significant for one to construct NNM. Greatly different from results of those nonlinear systems without internal resonance, it is found that the NNM involved in internal resonance include coupled and uncoupled two kinds. The bifurcation analysis of the coupled NNM of the system considered is given by means of the singularity theory. The pitchfork and hysteresis bifurcation are simultaneously found. Therefore, the number of NNM arising from the internal resonance may exceed the number of linear modes, in contrast with the case of no internal resonance, where they are equal. Curves displaying variation of the coupling extent of the coupled NNM with the internal-resonance-deturing parameter are proposed for six cases.     

A perturbation method for evaluating nonlinear normal modes of a piecewise linear two-degrees-of-freedom system

The classical Lindstedt–Poincaré method is adapted to analyze the nonlinear normal modes of a piecewise linear system. A simple two degrees-of-freedom, representing a beam with a breathing crack is considered. The fundamental branches of the two modes and their stability are drawn by varying the severity of the crack, i.e., the level of nonlinearity. Results furnished by the asymptotic method give insight into the mechanical behavior of the system and agree well with numerical results; the existence of superabundant modes is proven. The unstable regions and the bifurcated branches are followed by a numerical procedure based on the Poincarè map.     

On aspects of damping for a vertical beam with a tuned mass damper at the top

In this paper, the wind-induced, horizontal vibrations of a vertical Euler–Bernoulli beam will be considered. At the top of the beam, a tuned mass damper (TMD) has been installed. The horizontal vibrations can be described by an initial-boundary value problem. Perturbation methods will be applied to construct approximations of the solutions of the initial-boundary value problem, and it will be shown that the TMD uniformly damps the oscillation modes of the beam. In the analysis, it will be assumed that damping, wind-force, and gravity effects are small but not negligible.     

Dynamic Analysis of a Two-Mass System with Essentially Nonlinear Vibration Damping

A nonlinear system with two degrees of freedom is considered. The system consists of an oscillator with relatively large mass, which approximates some continuous elastic system, and an oscillator with relatively small mass, which damps the vibrations of the elastic system. A modal analysis reveals a local stable mode that exists within a rather wide range of system parameters and favors vibration damping. In this mode, the vibration amplitudes of the elastic system and the damper are small and high, respectively__________Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 102–111, January 2005.     

Stability analysis for nonplanar free vibrations of a cantilever beam by using nonlinear normal modes

Stability analysis of nonplanar free vibrations of a cantilever beam is made by using the nonlinear normal mode concept. Assuming nonplanar motion of the beam, we introduce a nonlinear two-degree-of-freedom model by using Galerkin’s method based on the first mode in each direction. The system turns out to have two normal modes. Using Synge’s stability concept, we examine the stability of each mode. In order to check the validity of the stability criterion obtained analytically, we plot a Poincaré map of the motions neighboring on each mode obtained numerically. It is found that the maps agree with the stability criterion obtained analytically.     

Vibration reduction evaluation of a linear system with a nonlinear energy sink under a harmonic and random excitation

The nonlinear behaviors and vibration reduction of a linear system with a nonlinear energy sink(NES) are investigated. The linear system is excited by a harmonic and random base excitation, consisting of a mass block, a linear spring, and a linear viscous damper. The NES is composed of a mass block, a linear viscous damper, and a spring with ideal cubic nonlinear stiffness. Based on the generalized harmonic function method,the steady-state Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equation is presented to reveal...     

Stability analysis of relative equilibria of mechanical systems with cyclic coordinates: a direct approach

Nonlinear stability of relative equilibria of mechanical systems has been investigated during the past two decades by notable authors and has resulted in the so-called energy momentum method. Although it has numerous important engineering applications, this theory involves subtle mathematical methods such as group theory with which engineers usually are not familiar. This paper develops a simple and natural approach to the problem for the case of cyclic coordinates in the Lagrangian since many practical examples can be easily formulated in terms of cyclic coordinates. Referring to standard algebraic operations, a stability criterion for relative equilibria is derived. As a computational benefit the presented approach does not require knowledge of a system's complete kinetic energy, either for formulating steady-state equations or for checking stability. The application of the method, which is closely related to Routh's method, will be demonstrated using the example of a dumbell satellite.     

Resonance response of fluid-conveying pipe with asymmetric elastic supports coupled to lever-type nonlinear energy sink

This paper studies the vibration absorber for a fluid-conveying pipe, where the lever-type nonlinear energy sink (LNES) and spring supports are coupled to the asymmetric ends of the system. The pseudo-arc-length method integrated with the harmonic balance method is used to investigate the steady-state responses analytically. Meanwhile, the numerical solution of the fluid-conveying pipe is calculated with the Runge-Kutta method. Moreover, a special response, called the collapsible closed detached response (CCDR), is first observed when the vibration response of mechanical structures is studied. Then, the relationship between the CCDR and the main structure primary response (PR) is obtained. In addition, the closed detached response (CDR) is also observed to research the resonance response of the fluid-conveying pipe. The appearance of either the CCDR or the CDR does affect the resonance attenuation. Furthermore, the mentioned two phenomena underline that the trend of vibration responses under external excitation goes continuous and gradual. Besides, the main advantage of the LNES is presented by contrasting the LNES with the nonlinear energy sink (NES) coupled to the same pipe system. It is found that the LNES can reduce the resonance response amplitude by 91.33%.     

Application of Nonlinear Normal Mode Analysis to the Nonlinear and Coupled Dynamics of a Floating Offshore Platform with Damping

The nonlinear dynamics of ships and floating offshore platforms hasattracted much attention over the last several years. However the topicof multiple-degrees-of-freedom systems has almost been completely ignoredwith very few exceptions. This is probably due to the complexity ofanalyzing strongly nonlinear and coupled systems. It turns out thatcoupling may be particularly important for certain critical dynamicssuch as the dynamics of a floating offshore platform about its diagonalaxis. In a previous work, Kota et al. [1] applied the recently developed nonlinearnormal mode technique to analyze the coupled nonlinear dynamics of afloating offshore platform. Although this previous work was restrictedto unforced and undamped systems, in this work a comparison of the twoalternative nonlinear normal mode analysis techniques was completed.Considering the relative practical importance of damping versus externalforcing for this system, in the present work, we utilize just one of thetwo major techniques available [2] to analyze damped multiple-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamics. Specifically, we investigate the effect ofnonlinearity, and non-proportionate damping. Our results show that thistechnique allows one to simply consider the effect of nonlinearity andgeneral damping on the resulting normal modes. This technique isparticularly powerful because it allows one to visualize the modes in ageometric fashion using the invariant manifold concept from dynamicalsystems.     

Analysis of the derivative of the energy functional with respect to the length of a curvilinear crack in an elastic body with a possible crack-edge contact

A homogeneous two-dimensional body with a crack of variable length is considered. At the crack edges, conditions are formulated in the form of inequalities that describe mutual nonpenetration of the edges. The derivative of the elastic-energy functional with respect to the length of the curvilinear crack is analyzed. It is shown that the derivative is independent of the crack path, provided that the curve along which the crack propagates is reasonably smooth. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 48, No. 5, pp. 138–145, September–October, 2007.