Colombeau algebra as a mathematical tool for investigating step load and step deformation of systems of nonlinear springs and dashpots (Q2358976)

This paper examines the response of mechanical systems involving nonlinear springs and dashpots to step input. The corresponding nonlinear ordinary differential equations are formulated and solved in the framework of Colombeau algebras, which allows for a rigorous treatment of nonlinear operations on Schwartz distributions. In particular, explicit formulae for the height of the jump in the response of the system to a step input are derived. The interpretation of the results is assisted by numerical experiments.