Periodic oscillation in suspension bridge model with a periodic damping term (Q481579)

The authors consider a second order scalar differential equation of the type \[ u'' +p(t)u' +bu^+ -au^- =f(t), \] where \(u^+=\max\{u,0\}\) and \(u^-=\max\{-u,0\}\). The forcing term \(f(t)\) and the damping coefficient \(p(t)\) are assumed to be \(T\)-periodic, for some \(T>0\). Under suitable assumptions on the constants \(a\) and \(b\), they prove the existence of a \(T\)-periodic solution. The considered equation is a modification of a suspension bridge model proposed by Lazer and McKenna in the 80s. However, the authors do not give any motivation for considering a periodic friction term. The list of references is rather incomplete.