On the use of the theory of dynamical systems for transient problems

This paper is a preliminary work to address the problem of dynamical systems with parameters varying in time. An idea to predict their behavior is proposed. These systems are called transient systems, and are distinguished from steady systems in which parameters are constant. In particular, in steady systems the excitation is either constant (e.g., nought) or periodic with amplitude, frequency, and phase angle which do not vary in time. We apply our method to systems, which are subjected to a transient excitation that is neither constant nor periodic. The effect of switching-off and full-transient forces is investigated. The former can be representative of switching-off procedures in machines; the latter can represent earthquake vibrations, wind gusts, etc., acting on a mechanical system. This class of transient systems can be seen as the evolution of an ordinary steady system into another ordinary steady system, for both of which the classical theory of dynamical systems holds. The evolution from a steady system to the other is driven by a transient force, which is regarded as a map between the two steady systems.     

Assessment of added mass effects on flutter boundaries using the Leishman–Beddoes dynamic stall model

We consider the dynamics of a typical airfoil section both in forced and free oscillations and investigate the importance of the added mass terms, i.e. the second derivatives in time of the pitch angle and plunge displacement. The structural behaviour is modelled by linear springs in pitch and plunge and the aerodynamic loading represented by our interpretation of the state-space version of the Leishman–Beddoes semi-empirical model. The added mass terms are often neglected since this leads to an explicit system of ODEs amenable for solution using standard ODE solvers. We analyse the effect of neglecting the added mass terms in forced oscillations about a set of mean angles of incidence by comparing the solutions obtained with the explicit and implicit systems of ODEs and conclude that their differences amount to a time lag that increases at a constant rate with increases of the reduced frequency. To determine the effect of the added mass terms in free oscillations, we introduce a spring offset angle to obtain static equilibrium positions at various degrees of incidence. We analyse the stability of the explicit and implicit aeroelastic systems about those positions and compare the locations of the respective flutter points calculated as Hopf bifurcation points. For low values of the spring offset angle, added mass effects are significant for low values of the mass ratio, or the ratio of natural frequencies, of the aeroelastic system. For high values of the spring offset angle, corresponding to stall flutter, we observe that their effect is greater for large values of the mass ratio.     

Dynamics of a Simple Damped Oscillator Undergoing Stick-Slip Vibrations

The dynamics of a simple dynamical system subjected to an elastic restoring force, viscous damping and dry friction forces is investigated. Self-sustained oscillations occur with non-standard attracting properties. Discontinuity of the governing equations leads to non-standard bifurcations, which are studied here, with analytical and numerical tools. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Events Maps in a Stick-Slip System

This paper describes a one-dimensional map generated by a two degree-of-freedom mechanical system that undergoes self-sustained oscillations induced by dry friction. The iterated map allows a much simpler representation and a better understanding of some dynamic features of the system. Some applications of the map are illustrated and its behaviour is simulated by means of an analytically defined one-dimensional map. A method of reconstructing one-dimensional maps from experimental data from the system is introduced. The method uses cubic splines to approximate the iterated mappings. From a sequence of such time series the parameter dependent bifurcation behaviour is analysed by interpolating between the defined mappings. Similarities and differences between the bifurcation behaviour of the exact iterated mapping and the reconstructed mapping are discussed.     

Experimental study of positron motion in Kapton

The drift of positrons under the action of an electric field in Kapton has been observed by using a variable-energy positron beam and the Doppler broadening technique. Even if the maximum applied field (2 MV/cm) is so high that the electrostatic work for a displacement of less than 0.15 nm is larger than the thermal energy, the experimental data can be fit by the diffusion model with a field-independent mobility. The best-fit value of the mobility (ca. 1×10^–3 cm² V^–1 s^–1) is extremely low in comparison with other dielectrics. The results are discussed with regards to the interaction of positrons with the molecular field.     

The behaviour of nonlinear oscillators subjected to ramped forcing

This paper considers the behaviour of a mechanical oscillator with cubic non-linearity subjected to a forcing excitation whose frequency remains constant while the amplitude is ramped, growing until it reaches a predetermined value. We concentrate on the nature of the basins of attraction whose size indicates the stability of the system, in a structural sense. The reduced level of forecing at the initial stages of ramping produces a delay in bifurcational events when compared to the constant sinusoidally forced counterpart. Preliminary results show that for some parameter values the area of basin does not increase monotonically as the length of ramping is varied. A preliminary version was presented at BIFCHAOS '92, Workshop held at L'Aquila, Italy, on 20–21 May 1992.