Nonlinear Normal Modes of a Piecewise Linear Continuous Structure with a Regular State

In this paper, the dynamic behaviour of a family of piecewise linear structures, namely the vibration of beams on block-and-tackle suspension system is analysed. The regularity of the vibration modes in one of the linear states induces non-harmonic, yet periodic free vibration modes. The periodicity constraint of the continuous structure is formulated using modal analysis in the regular state. The required number of modes in the finite modal analysis is specified so that the numerical damping caused by the omitted modes does not change the periodic or non-periodic nature of the free vibration of the continuous structure. It is shown, that the application of five excess passive modes allows to draw conclusions about the behaviour of the continuous structure. The periodic behaviour depends on the number and position of the suspension points and the number of the active vibration modes. Analysis of the limits of the periodic behaviour reveals that suspension points close to the middle of the beam, or first few active vibration modes result in periodic vibration of the nonlinear system.