Dynamics of a nonlinear periodic structure with cyclic symmetry (Q1194843)

This paper deals with a nonlinear periodic structure with cyclic symmetry. The structure consists of identical linear flexural beams clamped on a rigid circular support. The end of the beams are connected by resilient elements with cubic material nonlinearity. Practical applications may be bladed disk assemblies, large space antennas, etc. Free and forced vibrations of such a cyclic nonlinear assembly are studied with respect to transfer of energy between the periodic substructures. Assuming the beams to vibrate in their first linear mode, various dynamic phenomena with eminent theoretical and practical interest are found. Among others, it is shown that there exist pairs of nonlinear modes with mutual orthogonal modal diameters having distinct backbone curves. Additionally, nonlinear degenerate modes are found. Using a multiple-scales averaging analysis, mode interaction is studied and orbital instability of the nonlinear normal modes is detected. The only possible orbitally stable periodic motions are two travelling waves. Under harmonic motions, bifurcations and jump phenomena between branches of periodic solutions are observed. The analytical solutions are verified by numerical and experimental results.