Global and bifurcation analysis of a structure with cyclic symmetry

This article combines the application of a global analysis approach and the more classical continuation, bifurcation and stability analysis approach of a cyclic symmetric system. A solid disc with four blades, linearly coupled, but with an intrinsic non-linear cubic stiffness is at stake. Dynamic equations are turned into a set of non-linear algebraic equations using the harmonic balance method. Then periodic solutions are sought using a recursive application of a global analysis method for various pulsation values. This exhibits disconnected branches in both the free undamped case (non-linear normal modes, NNMs) and in a forced case which shows the link between NNMs and forced response. For each case, a full bifurcation diagram is provided and commented using tools devoted to continuation, bifurcation and stability analysis.