Dynamics of Flexible Structures With Nonlinear Joints

The focus of the present study is to use a technique based on Fourier approximation and Galerkin error minimization to determine periodic solutions of nonlinear jointed flexible structures, and study the effect of joint nonlinearity on the global dynamics of an otherwise linear flexible structure. Results presented here show that the Fourier-Galerkin algorithm is a fast tool for computing periodic motion of nonlinear dynamic systems as compared to time-integration, and the effect of nonlinear joints on the dynamics of an otherwise linear flexible structure modeled as a multi degree of freedom system can be significant.