Low-dimensional chaotic response of axially accelerating continuum in the supercritical regime (Q1268466)

Nonlinear dynamics of one-mode approximation of an axially moving continuum such as a moving magnetic tape is studied. The system is modeled as a beam moving with varying speed, and the transverse vibration of the beam is considered. The cubic stiffness term, arising from finite stretching of the neutral axis during vibration, is included in the analysis while deriving the equations of motion by Hamilton's principle. One-mode approximation of the governing equation is obtained by the Galerkin method. This approximation leads to a parametrically excited Duffing's oscillator. It exhibits a symmetric pitchfork bifurcation as the axial velocity of the beam is varied beyond a critical value. In the supercritical regime, the system is described by a parametrically excited double-well potential oscillator. It is shown by numerical simulation that the oscillator has both period-doubling and intermittent routes to chaos.