Nonlinear nonplanar dynamics of a parametrically excited inextensional elastic beam

The nonlinear dynamics of a clamped-clamped/sliding inextensional elastic beam subject to a harmonic axial load is investigated. The Galerkin method is used on the coupled bending-bending-torsional nonlinear equations with inertial and geometric nonlinearities and the resulting two second order ordinary differential equations are studied by the method of multiple time seales and by direct numerical integration. The amplitude equations are analyzed for steady and Hopf bifurcations. Depending on the amplitude of excitation, the damping and the ratio of principal flexural rigidities, various qualitatively distinct frequency response diagrams are uncovered and limit cycles and chaotic motions are found. In the truncated two-degree-of-freedom system the transition from periodic to chaotic amplitude-modulated motions is via the process of torus doubling and subsequent destruction of the torus.