Non-linear output frequency response functions of MDOF systems with multiple non-linear components

In engineering practice, most mechanical and structural systems are modelled as multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems such as, e.g., the periodic structures. When some components within the systems have non-linear characteristics, the whole system will behave non-linearly. The concept of non-linear output frequency response functions (NOFRFs) was proposed by the authors recently and provides a simple way to investigate non-linear systems in the frequency domain. The present study is concerned with investigating the inherent relationships between the NOFRFs for any two masses of non-linear MDOF systems with multiple non-linear components. The results reveal very important properties of the non-linear systems. These properties clearly indicate how the system linear characteristic parameters govern the propagation of the non-linear effect induced by non-linear components in the system. One potential application of the results is to detect and locate faults in engineering structures which make the structures behave non-linearly.     

On the identification of non-linear mechanical systems using orthogonal functions

Real world mechanical systems present non-linear behavior and in many cases simple linearization in modeling the system would not lead to satisfactory results. Coulomb damping and cubic stiffness are typical examples of system parameters currently used in non-linear models of mechanical systems. This paper uses orthogonal functions to represent input and output signals. These functions are easily integrated by using a so-called operational matrix of integration. Consequently, it is possible to transform the non-linear differential equations of motion into algebraic equations. After mathematical manipulation the unknown linear and non-linear parameters are determined. Numerical simulations, involving single and two degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, confirm the efficiency of the above methodology.     

The force transmissibility of MDOF structures with a non-linear viscous damping device

In the present study, the concept of the Output Frequency Response Function (OFRF), recently proposed by the authors, is applied to theoretically investigate the force transmissibility of MDOF structures with a cubic non-linear viscous damping device. The results analytically show that the introduction of cubic non-linear damping can significantly reduce the transmissibility over all resonance regions for a Multiple Degree of Freedom (MDOF) structure and at the same time leave the transmissibility over the isolation region virtually unaffected. The analysis also indicates that a strong linear damping may shift the system resonances and compromise the beneficial effects of cubic non-linear viscous damping on the force transmissibility of MDOF structures. This suggests that a less significant linear damping together with a strong cubic non-linear damping can be used in MDOF structures to achieve a desired vibration isolation performance. This research work has a significant implication for the design of viscously damped MDOF structures for a wide range of practical applications.     

Matlab编程实现求解基于振型叠加法的多自由度动力学系统的时域和频域响应

给出了求解多自由度动力学系统响应的M atlab程序,这些程序基于振型叠加法可用于求解由质量矩阵M和刚度矩阵K以及常见阻尼矩阵描述的线性离散系统的时域和频域解.对于无阻尼系统,用户可以选择数值解或符号解析解(以时间或频率表示),并利用复模态叠加法计算了阻尼系统的数值解.总结了模态叠加方法下动力学响应的求解,并在简短的M...     

Best achievable modal eigenvectors in structural damage detection

This paper reports a modal formulation of the original method presented by Lim and Kashangaky, based on the use of the best achievable eigenvectors in damage detection problems. The method requires the measurement of both frequencies and mode shapes. The structural damage is located by computing the Euclidean distances between the measured mode shapes and the best achievable modal eigenvectors. The method is able to detect loss of both stiffness and mass properties, even though in this paper only the loss of stiffness will be analyzed. A simple numerical example is reported to investigate the applicability of the modal formulation. Finally, an experimental validation is included using a 10-bay truss laboratory structure.     

Structural health monitoring and damage detection using an intelligent parameter varying (IPV) technique

Most structural health monitoring and damage detection strategies utilize dynamic response information to identify the existence, location, and magnitude of damage. Traditional model-based techniques seek to identify parametric changes in a linear dynamic model, while non-model-based techniques focus on changes in the temporal and frequency characteristics of the system response. Because restoring forces in base-excited structures can exhibit highly non-linear characteristics, non-linear model-based approaches may be better suited for reliable health monitoring and damage detection. This paper presents the application of a novel intelligent parameter varying (IPV) modeling and system identification technique, developed by the authors, to detect damage in base-excited structures. This IPV technique overcomes specific limitations of traditional model-based and non-model-based approaches, as demonstrated through comparative simulations with wavelet analysis methods. These simulations confirm the effectiveness of the IPV technique, and show that performance is not compromised by the introduction of realistic structural non-linearities and ground excitation characteristics.     

Understanding the effect of boundary conditions on damage identification process when using non-linear elastic wave spectroscopy methods

This paper presents an experimental campaign aimed at understanding the limitations and capabilities of non-linear elastic wave spectroscopy (NEWS) non-destructive technique (NDT) methods in the presence of variable boundary conditions. In particular, the objective was to understand if the contact between the structures under investigation and the clamps used to hold the structures could generate non-classical non-linear effects that could affect the damage detection process by producing false-positive indications of defects presence.Two different techniques were analysed with varying degree clamping torque. The first approach evaluates the resonance frequency shift as a function of the external load amplitude, and it is called non-linear resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (NRUS). The second method used, called non-linear wave modulation spectroscopy (NWMS), monitors the generation of sidebands and harmonics when the structure is excited by a double tone external load.The results showed that the non-classical hysteretical non-linear effects were dependent on the boundary conditions, highlighted by the presence of resonance shift and harmonics and sidebands in an undamaged sample. This research shows that more work is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods and the ease of implementation in a structural health monitoring system and further research studies and methodology development are needed to discern non-classical non-linear effects generated by contacts between mating parts (clamps and sample) from that generated due to the presence of damage.     

Characterization of bifurcating non-linear normal modes in piecewise linear mechanical systems

The non-linear modal properties of a vibrating 2-DOF system with non-smooth (piecewise linear) characteristics are investigated; this oscillator can suitably model beams with a breathing crack or systems colliding with an elastic obstacle. The system having two discontinuity boundaries is non-linearizable and exhibits the peculiar feature of a number of non-linear normal modes (NNMs) that are greater than the degrees of freedom. Since the non-linearities are concentrated at the origin, its non-linear frequencies are independent of the energy level and uniquely depend on the damage parameter. An analysis of the NNMs has been performed for a wide range of damage parameter by employing numerical procedures and Poincaré maps. The influence of damage on the non-linear frequencies has been investigated and bifurcations characterized by the onset of superabundant modes in internal resonance, with a significantly different shape than that of modes on fundamental branch, have been revealed.     

Linear and non-linear vibration and frequency response analyses of microcantilevers subjected to tip-sample interaction

Despite their simple structure and design, microcantilevers are receiving increased attention due to their unique sensing and actuation features in many MEMS and NEMS. Along this line, a non-linear distributed-parameters modeling of a microcantilever beam under the influence of a nanoparticle sample is studied in this paper. A long-range Van der Waals force model is utilized to describe the microcantilever-particle interaction along with an inextensibility condition for the microcantilever in order to derive the equations of motion in terms of only one generalized coordinate. Both of these considerations impose strong nonlinearities on the resultant integro-partial equations of motion. In order to provide an understanding of non-linear characteristics of combined microcantilever-particle system, a geometrical function is wisely chosen in such a way that natural frequency of the linear model exactly equates with that of non-linear model. It is shown that both approaches are reasonably comparable for the system considered here. Linear and non-linear equations of motion are then investigated extensively in both frequency and time domains. The simulation results demonstrate that the particle attraction region can be obtained through studying natural frequency of the system consisting of microcantilever and particle. The frequency analysis also proves that the influence of nonlinearities is amplified inside the particle attraction region through bending or shifting the frequency response curves. This is accompanied by sudden changes in the vibration amplitude estimated very closely by the non-linear model, while it cannot be predicted by the best linear model at all.     

Effect of non-linearities in the identification and fault detection of gear-pair systems

This study investigates issues related to parametric identification and health monitoring of dynamical systems with non-linear characteristics. In the first part, a gear-pair system supported on bearings with rolling elements is selected as an example mechanical model and the corresponding equations of motion are set up. This model possesses strongly non-linear characteristics, accounting for gear backlash and bearing stiffness non-linearities. Then, the basic steps of the parametric identification and fault detection procedure employed are outlined briefly. In particular, a Bayesian statistical framework is adopted in order to estimate the optimal values of the gear and bearing model parameters. This is achieved by combining experimental information from vibration measurements with theoretical information built into a parametric mathematical model of the system. In the second part of the study, characteristic numerical results are presented. First, based on the effect of the system parameters on its dynamics, a solid basis is created for explaining some of the peculiar results obtained by applying classical gradient-based optimization methodologies for the strongly non-linear system examined. Some serious difficulties, associated with the existence of irregular response or the coexistence of multiple motions, are first pointed out. A solution to some of these problems, through the application of a suitable genetic algorithm, is then presented. Special problems, related to more classical identification issues associated with the presence of measurement noise and model error, are also investigated.     

On the effects of non-linear elements in the reliability-based optimal design of stochastic dynamical systems

The aim of the present paper is to study the effects of non-linear devices on the reliability-based optimal design of structural systems subject to stochastic excitation. One-dimensional hysteretic devices are used for modelling the non-linear system behavior while non-stationary filtered white noise processes are utilized to represent the stochastic excitation. The reliability-based optimization problem is formulated as the minimization of the expected cost of the structure for a specified failure probability. Failure is assumed to occur when any one of the output states of interest exceeds in magnitude some specified threshold level within a given time duration. Failure probabilities are approximated locally in terms of the design variables during the optimization process in a parallel computing environment. The approximations are based on a local interpolation scheme and on an efficient simulation technique. Specifically, a subset simulation scheme is adopted and integrated into the proposed optimization process. The local approximations are then used to define a series of explicit approximate optimization problems. A sensitivity analysis is performed at the final design in order to evaluate its robustness with respect to design and system parameters. Numerical examples are presented in order to illustrate the effects of hysteretic devices on the design of two structural systems subject to earthquake excitation. The obtained results indicate that the non-linear devices have a significant effect on the reliability and global performance of the structural systems.     

Classification and integration of four-dimensional dynamical systems admitting non-linear superposition

The method of integration of dynamical systems admitting non-linear superpositions is applied to four-dimensional non-linear dynamical systems. All four-dimensional dynamical systems admitting non-linear superpositions with four-dimensional Vessiot-Guldberg-Lie algebras are classified into 160 standard forms. The integration method is described and illustrated.     

Complex and chaotic response of a non-linear oscillator with an isothermal gas spring

In this paper we study the dynamics of a non-linear one-degree-of-freedom system subjected to an external harmonic excitation, representing a simplified model for the synchronous hydraulic oscillations that can occur in the draft tube of Francis turbines at partial loads. The application of different typical numerical techniques has shown the existence of multiple coexisting periodic solutions, and the non-periodic bounded solutions which exhibit deterministic chaotic behaviour. The relevant strange attractor has been defined and the loss of memory associated with an exponential divergence in time of close initial conditions resulting in chaotic dynamics have been found and measured. A partial classification of qualitatively different dynamical behaviours for the system has been outlined in the control parameter space.

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Sommario In questo articolo viene studiata la dinamica di un sistema non-lineare ad un singolo grado di liberta' soggetto ad una forzante armonica esterna, rappresentante un modello semplificato per le oscillazioni idrauliche sincrone che hanno luogo nei diffusori delle turbine tipo Francis a carico parziale. Applicando differenti tecniche numeriche, viene mostrata l'esistenza di soluzioni periodiche multiple, oltre che soluzioni non-periodiche limitate con tipico comportamento caotico deterministico. L'attrattore strano corrispondente e' stato definito e caratterizzato: la perdita di memoria associata alla divergenza esponenziale di orbite inizialmente vicine, tipica della dinamica caotica, e' stata individuata e calcolata numericamente. Una prima parziale classificazione dei vari comportamenti dinamici per il sistema viene evidenziata attraverso la rappresentazione nello spazio parametrico.

     

On non-linear vibration analyses of continuous systems with quadratic and cubic non-linearities

This paper examines the validity of non-linear vibration analyses of continuous systems with quadratic and cubic non-linearities. As an example, we treat a hinged-hinged Euler-Bernoulli beam resting on a non-linear elastic foundation with distributed quadratic and cubic non-linearities, and investigate the primary (Ω≈ω_n) and subharmonic (Ω≈2ω_n) resonances, in which Ω and ω_n are the driving and natural frequencies, respectively. The steady-state responses are found by using two different approaches. In the first approach, the method of multiple scales is applied directly to the governing equation that is a non-linear partial differential equation. In the second approach, we discretize the governing equation by using Galerkin's procedure, and then apply the shooting method to the obtained ordinary differential equations. In order to check the validity of the solutions obtained by the two approaches, they are compared with the solutions obtained numerically by the finite difference method.     

组合神经网络在结构损伤检测中的应用

子结构的动态响应变化与整体结构相比,对结构内部损伤反应更为敏感。组合神经网络可以克服单个神经网络功能的单一局限性,实现更加全面综合的仿真识别功能。本文首先运用双协调自由界面模态综合法对结构进行模态分析,获取各子结构及整体结构的模态信息。然后,通过组合BP神经网络将损伤子结构与整体结构的模态频率变化率组合起来进行结构损伤检测。该方法在改善网络训练性能的同时,提高了检测结果的准确性和可靠性。文章最后通过数值算例验证了该方法的可行性和有效性。     

Numerical modeling of damage detection in concrete beams using piezoelectric patches

Research and development of active monitoring systems for reinforced concrete structures should lead to improved structural safety and reliability. Numerical models of active monitoring and damage detection systems can help in the development and implementation of these systems. Modeling of damage detection process in a concrete beam with piezoelectric sensors/actuators based on wave propagation is investigated in this paper. Numerical modeling process is divided into two parts: (1) piezoelectric smart aggregates (SA), and (2) wave propagation models. Displacement obtained in the SA model is used as an input parameter for the modeling of wave propagation. Wavelet analysis is used as a signal processing tool and the damage index is calculated based on the wave energy. In this paper root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) damage index is used. Damage indices obtained by this numerical analysis are compared with experimental results. Very good fit between the finite element (FE) results and experimental results confirm a good FE approach of this problem.     

Static and dynamic response of elastic suspended cables with damage

In cable-stayed structures cables are subjected to potential damage, mainly due to fatigue and galvanic corrosion. The paper presents an analysis of damage effects on the statics and dynamics of suspended cables. An elastic continuous monodimensional model for damaged cables, including geometric nonlinearities, is formulated for the purpose. The damage is described as a diffused reduction of the cable axial stiffness, and defined through its intensity, extent and position. Exact solutions of the equations governing the cable static equilibrium under self-weight are achieved, and the significance of the tension loss and sag augmentation resulting from damage are investigated under variation of practically significant parameters. The system spectral properties characterizing the free undamped dynamics are obtained in a closed-form fashion for shallow cables within the low frequency range. The sensitivity of the frequencies to the intensity and extent of damage is discussed, outlining two damage effects, which alternatively stiffen or soften the cable modes, whose respective static and geometric origin is recognized. Finally, the symmetry-breaking induced by damage on the static profile is verified to destroy the crossing phenomenon (crossover) characterizing the frequency loci of undamaged cables, which degenerates into a narrow frequency veering phenomenon.     

Sequential non-linear least-square estimation for damage identification of structures with unknown inputs and unknown outputs

The detection of structural damages real-time on-line, based on vibration data measured from sensors, is an important but challenging research topic, and it has received considerable attentions recently. Due to practical limitations, it is highly desirable to install as few sensors as possible in the structural health monitoring system, leading to incomplete measurements of structural responses and excitations. The traditional time-domain analysis techniques, such as the least-square estimation (LSE) method and the extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach, require that all the external excitations (inputs) be available, which may not be the case for most structural health monitoring systems. Recently, the adaptive sequential non-linear least-square estimate (SNLSE) method has been proposed for the on-line identification of structural damages. In this paper, we extend the SNLSE method to cover the general case with unknown (unmeasured) excitations (inputs) and unknown (unmeasured) acceleration responses (outputs) in order to reduce the number of sensors required in the structural health monitoring system, referred to as the SNLSE-UI-UO. Analytic recursive solutions for the new approach are derived and presented. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach have been demonstrated using the Phase I ASCE structural health monitoring benchmark building, a 5-degree-of-freedom non-linear hysteretic building model, and a 3-story steel frame finite-element model. Simulation results indicate that the proposed approach is capable of tracking the changes of structural parameters leading to the identification of damages.