Analysis of steady-state response regimes of a helicopter ground resonance model including a non-linear energy sink attachment

Helicopter Ground Resonance is a dynamic instability involving the coupling of the blades motion in the rotational plane (i.e. the lag motion) and the motion of the fuselage. This paper presents a study of the capacity of a Non-linear Energy Sink to control a Helicopter Ground Resonance. A model of helicopter with a minimum number of degrees of freedom that can reproduce Helicopter Ground Resonance instability is obtained using successively Coleman transformation and binormal transformation. A theoretical/numerical analysis of the steady-state responses of this model when a Non-linear Energy Sink is attached on the fuselage in an ungrounded configuration is performed. The analytic approach is based on complexification-averaging method together with geometric singular perturbation theory. Four steady-state responses are highlighted and explained analytically: complete suppression, partial suppression through strongly modulated response, partial suppression through periodic response and no suppression of the Helicopter Ground Resonance. A systematic method based on simple analytical criterions is proposed to predict the steady-state response regimes. The method is finally validated numerically.     

Control of primary and subharmonic resonances of a Duffing oscillator via non-linear energy sink

The use of non-linear energy sink to passively control vibrations of a non-linear main structure under the effect of bi-frequency harmonic excitation is addressed here. The excitation is assumed to induce both 1:1 and 1:3 resonance, and the response of the system is studied after using the Multiple Scale/Harmonic Balance Method, applied to obtain amplitude modulation equations in the slow time scale. The efficiency of the non-linear energy sink to reduce or suppress vibrations of the main structure is finally discussed.     

Experimental study of non-linear energy pumping occurring at a single fast frequency

Experimental verification of passive non-linear energy pumping in a two-degree-of-freedom system comprising a damped linear oscillator coupled to an essentially non-linear attachment is carried out. In the experiments presented the non-linear attachment interacts with a single linear mode and, hence, energy pumping occurs at a single ‘fast’ frequency in the neighborhood of the eigenfrequency of the linear mode. Good agreement between simulated and experimental results was observed, in spite of the strongly (essentially) non-linear and transient nature of the dynamics of the system considered. The experiments bear out earlier predictions that a significant fraction of the energy introduced directly to a linear structure by an external impulsive (broadband) load can be transferred (pumped) to an essentially non-linear attachment, and dissipated there locally without spreading back to the system. In addition, the reported experimental results confirm that (a) non-linear energy pumping in systems of coupled oscillators can occur only above a certain threshold of the input energy, and (b) there is an optimal value of the energy input at which a maximum portion of the energy is absorbed and dissipated at the NES.     

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...     

Detecting the position of non-linear component in periodic structures from the system responses to dual sinusoidal excitations

Based on the non-linear output frequency response functions (NOFRFs), a novel method is developed to detect the position of non-linear components in periodic structures. The detection procedure requires exciting the non-linear systems twice using two sinusoidal inputs separately. The frequencies of the two inputs are different; one frequency is twice as high as the other one. The validity of this method is demonstrated by numerical studies. Since the position of a non-linear component often corresponds to the location of defect in periodic structures, this new method is of great practical significance in fault diagnosis for mechanical and structural systems.     

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.     

Analytical approximation to large-amplitude oscillation of a non-linear conservative system

This paper deals with non-linear oscillation of a conservative system having inertia and static non-linearities. By combining the linearization of the governing equation with the method of harmonic balance, we establish analytical approximate solutions for the non-linear oscillations of the system. Unlike the classical harmonic balance method, linearization is performed prior to proceeding with harmonic balancing, thus resulting in a set of linear algebraic equations instead of one of non-linear algebraic equations. Hence, we are able to establish analytical approximate formulas for the exact frequency and periodic solution. These analytical approximate formulas show excellent agreement with the exact solutions, and are valid for small as well as large amplitudes of oscillation.     

Separation-induced boundary layer transition: Modeling with a non-linear eddy-viscosity model coupled with the laminar kinetic energy equation

We present an effort to model the separation-induced transition on a flat plate with a semi-circular leading edge, using a cubic non-linear eddy-viscosity model combined with the laminar kinetic energy. A non-linear model, compared to a linear one, has the advantage to resolve the anisotropic behavior of the Reynolds-stresses in the near-wall region and it provides a more accurate expression for the generation of turbulence in the transport equation of the turbulence kinetic energy. Although in its original formulation the model is not able to accurately predict the separation-induced transition, the inclusion of the laminar kinetic energy increases its accuracy. The adoption of the laminar kinetic energy by the non-linear model is presented in detail, together with some additional modifications required for the adaption of the laminar kinetic energy into the basic concepts of the non-linear eddy-viscosity model. The computational results using the proposed combined model are shown together with the ones obtained using an isotropic linear eddy-viscosity model, which adopts also the laminar kinetic energy concept and in comparison with the existing experimental data.     

Multi-physics dynamics of a mechanical oscillator coupled to an electro-magnetic circuit

The dynamics of a non-linear electro-magneto-mechanical coupled system is addressed. The non-linear behavior arises from the involved coupling quadratic non-linearities and it is explored by relying on both analytical and numerical tools. When the linear frequency of the circuit is larger than that of the mechanical oscillator, the dynamics exhibits slow and fast time scales. Therefore the mechanical oscillator forced (actuated) via harmonic voltage excitation of the electric circuit is analyzed; when the forcing frequency is close to that of the mechanical oscillator, the long term damped dynamics evolves in a purely slow timescale with no interaction with the fast time scale. We show this by assuming the existence of a slow invariant manifold (SIM), computing it analytically, and verifying its existence via numerical experiments on both full- and reduced-order systems. In specific regions of the space of forcing parameters, the SIM is a complicated geometric object as it undergoes folding giving rise to hysteresis mechanisms which create a pronounced non-linear resonance phenomenon. Eventually, the roles played by the electro-magnetic and mechanical components in the resulting complex response, encompassing bifurcations as well as possible transitions from regular to chaotic motion, are highlighted by means of Poincaré sections.     

Principal parametric resonances of non-linear mechanical system with two-frequency and self-excitations

The principal parametric resonance of a single-degree-of-freedom system with non-linear two-frequency parametric and self-excitations is investigated. In particular, the case in which the parametric excitation terms with close frequencies is examined. The method of multiple scales is used to determine the equations that describe to first-order the modulation of the amplitude and phase. Qualitative analysis and asymptotic expansion techniques are employed to predict the existence of steady state responses. Stability is investigated. The effect of damping, magnitudes of non-linear excitation and self-excitation are analyzed.     

Dynamics of a linear oscillator connected to a small strongly non-linear hysteretic absorber

The present investigation deals with the dynamics of a two-degrees-of-freedom system which consists of a main linear oscillator and a strongly non-linear absorber with small mass. The non-linear oscillator has a softening hysteretic characteristic represented by a Bouc-Wen model. The periodic solutions of this system are studied and their calculation is performed through an averaging procedure. The study of non-linear modes and their stability shows, under specific conditions, the existence of localization which is responsible for a passive irreversible energy transfer from the linear oscillator to the non-linear one. The dissipative effect of the non-linearity appears to play an important role in the energy transfer phenomenon and some design criteria can be drawn regarding this parameter among others to optimize this energy transfer. The free transient response is investigated and it is shown that the energy transfer appears when the energy input is sufficient in accordance with the predictions from the non-linear modes. Finally, the steady-state forced response of the system is investigated. When the input of energy is sufficient, the resonant response (close to non-linear modes) experiences localization of the vibrations in the non-linear absorber and jump phenomena.     

Investigation of a non-linear system under partially prescribed random excitation

The problem of non-linear systems excited by random forces with known power spectral density functions and unspecified probability structure is considered. Sufficient, but not necessary, conditions on the input under which the response can be a Gaussian process are investigated. The approach is illustrated by investigating the hardening spring cubic oscillator under wide and narrow band excitations. The non-Gaussian probability density of the input that leads to Gaussian response is determined.     

Resonant response of a non-linear vibro-impact system to combined deterministic harmonic and random excitations

The resonant resonance response of a single-degree-of-freedom non-linear vibro-impact oscillator, with cubic non-linearity items, to combined deterministic harmonic and random excitations is investigated. The method of multiple scales is used to derive the equations of modulation of amplitude and phase. The effects of damping, detuning, and intensity of random excitations are analyzed by means of perturbation and stochastic averaging method. The theoretical analyses verified by numerical simulations show that when the intensity of the random excitation increases, the non-trivial steady-state solution may change from a limit cycle to a diffused limit cycle. Under certain conditions, impact system may have two steady-state responses. One is a non-impact response, and the other is either an impact one or a non-impact one.     

Generic non-linear modelling of a bi-material composite beam with partial shear interaction

Composite members composed of two materials joined by shear connection find widespread use in engineering infrastructure, in both traditional practice and innovative applications. Studies in the literature dating back nearly 60 years have elucidated the mechanics of the behaviour of these composite structural members in which the solution for the slip at the interface between the materials was determined by solving a linear differential equation. However, these solutions are based on a linear formulation of the strain-displacement relationship, and in some applications this relationship must be represented in non-linear form, so that the second order effects in the member can be quantified correctly. This paper presents such a study for a composite member with two materials, being typical of a steel-concrete composite beam in structural engineering. It quantifies the restraint of the member ends by longitudinal and rotational elastic springs, so that the axial tension developed is a function of the transverse loading, material properties, cross-sectional properties and the restraint stiffness. The problem is treated using minimisation of the total potential stored in the two members, the elastic shear connection at their interface, the restraints at the ends and the work done by the transverse forces, for which the differential equations for the deformations can be determined from routine variational calculus. The non-linear equation of equilibrium relating the external loading to the internal actions is stated in closed form by invoking the static and kinematic boundary conditions for the member. The solution is compared with closed form treatments derived elsewhere, and a representative member is analysed so that the influences of the non-linearity, end restraint stiffness and degree of partial shear interaction on its behaviour can be examined.     

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.     

Application of vector-valued rational approximations to a class of non-linear oscillations

By combining a perturbation technique with a rational approximation of vector-valued function, we propose a new approach to non-linear oscillations of conservative single-degree-of-freedom systems with odd non-linearity. The equation of motion does not require to contain a small parameter. First, the Lindstedt-Poincare perturbation method is used to obtain an asymptotic analytical solution. Then the range of validity of the analytical representation is extended by using the vector-valued rational approximation of functions. For constructing the rational approximations, all that is needed is the coefficients of the perturbation expansion being considered. General approximate formulas for period and the corresponding periodic solution of a non-linear system are established. Two examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Non-linear dynamics of a system of coupled oscillators with essential stiffness non-linearities

We study the resonant dynamics of a two-degree-of-freedom system composed of a linear oscillator weakly coupled to a strongly non-linear one, with an essential (non-linearizable) cubic stiffness non-linearity. For the undamped system this leads to a series of internal resonances, depending on the level of (conserved) total energy of oscillation. We study in detail the 1:1 internal resonance, and show that the undamped system possesses stable and unstable synchronous periodic motions (non-linear normal modes—NNMs), as well as, asynchronous periodic motions (elliptic orbits—EOs). Furthermore, we show that when damping is introduced certain NNMs produce resonance capture phenomena, where a trajectory of the damped dynamics gets ‘captured’ in the neighborhood of a damped NNM before ‘escaping’ and becoming an oscillation with exponentially decaying amplitude. In turn, these resonance captures may lead to passive non-linear energy pumping phenomena from the linear to the non-linear oscillator. Thus, sustained resonance capture appears to provide a dynamical mechanism for passively transferring energy from one part of the system to another, in a one-way, irreversible fashion. Numerical integrations confirm the analytical predictions.     

Effects of a crack on the stability of a non-linear rotor system

The stability of a rotor system presenting a transverse breathing crack is studied by considering the effects of crack depth, crack location and the shaft's rotational speed. The harmonic balance method, in combination with a path-following continuation procedure, is used to calculate the periodic response of a non-linear model of a cracked rotor system. The stability of the rotor's periodic movements is studied in the frequency domain by introducing the effects of a perturbation on the periodic solution for the cracked rotor system.It is shown that the areas of instability increase considerably when the crack deepens, and that the crack's position and depth are the main factors affecting not only the non-linear behaviour of the rotor system but also the different zones of dynamic instability in the periodic solution for the cracked rotor. The effects of some other system parameters (including the disk position and the stiffness of the supports) on the dynamic stability of the non-linear periodic response of the cracked rotor system are also investigated.