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.