Mono-coupled periodic systems with a single disorder: Response to convected loadings

This paper presents a general theory of the forced response under convected loading of mono-coupled periodic systems with a single disorder. The general expressions derived have been used to study the response of an infinite periodic beam on simple supports with one of the support spacings different from all the others. Convected harmonic pressure fields and frozen random pressure fields have been considered. Computer studies are presented showing the moment response at supports and the space-time-averaged responses in the disorder and in the nearby periodic beam elements. High response levels can occur due to (i) resonances of the beam length disorder against the stiffness of the attached periodic systems and (ii) hydrodynamic coincidence vibration occurring in the periodic beam. The frequency zones in which these high responses may occur are identified. The high response due to the resonance (ii) is restricted to the vicinity of the disorder, whereas that due to coincidence occurs throughout the system. Computed results show that the highest response levels do not necessarily occur in the beam length disorder, but may occur in one of the nearby periodic beam elements. The dependence of the maximum response levels on the magnitude of the disorder has been investigated. The conditions under which small disorders may be neglected have been pointed out.