On the dynamics of rings rotating with variable spin speed

This work investigates nonlinear dynamic response of circular rings rotating with spin speed which involves small fluctuations from a constant average value. First, Hamilton's principle is applied and the equations of motion are expressed in terms of a single time coordinate, representing the amplitude of an in-plane bending mode. For nonresonant excitation or for slowly rotating rings, a complete analysis is presented by employing phase plane methodologies. For rapidly rotating rings, periodic spin speed variations give rise to terms leading to parametric excitation. In this case, the vibrations that occur under principal parametric resonance are analyzed by applying the method of multiple scales. The resulting modulation equations possess combinations of trivial and nontrivial constant steady state solutions. The existence and stability properties of these motions are first analyzed in detail. Also, analysis of the undamped slow-flow equations provides a global picture for the possible motions of the ring. In all cases, the analytical predictions are verified and complemented by numerical results. In addition to periodic response, these results reveal the existence of unbounded as well as transient chaotic response of the rotating ring.