Modal interactions in strongly nonlinear coupled oscillators with closely spaced modes and nonclassical damping distribution

Abstract

Linear and nonlinear mechanical structures with closely spaced modes and non-classical (nonproportional) damping distribution are susceptible to modal interactions with energy exchanges between modes. In this work we analyze these interactions in a two-degree-of-freedom (2 DoF) coupled oscillator subject to impulse excitation, utilizing action-angle variables and the method of multiple scales. To show the basic steps of the methodology we start from the linear system, then proceed to analyze modal interactions in the system with strongly nonlinear cubic stiffness nonlinearity. In contrast to the linear case, once the dynamics of the nonlinear system is captured in 1:1 resonance, strongly nonlinear modal interactions occur depending on energy. These regimes as well as attraction to capture, 1:1 capture and escape from capture are analyzed in detail. Our analytical study determines the ranges of parameter values for which nonlinear modal interactions due to resonance capture occur. The analytical predictions are fully verified by direct numerical simulations of the governing equations of motion. Possible extensions of the present work to systems of oscillators with more DoF and other types of dissipative elements, e.g., friction or hysteresis are discussed.