Nonlinear vibrations of suspended cables—Part I: Modeling and analysis

This review article is the first of three parts of a Special Issue dealing with finite-amplitude oscillations of elastic suspended cables. This part is concerned with system modeling and methods of analysis. After shortly reporting on cable historical literature and identifying the topic and scope of the review, the article begins with a presentation of the mechanical system and of the ensuing mathematical models. Continuum equations of cable finite motion are formulated, their linearized version is reported, and nonlinear discretized models for the analysis of 2D or 3D vibration problems are discussed. Approximate methods for asymptotic analysis of either single or multi-degree-of-freedom models of small-sag cables are addressed, as well as asymptotic models operating directly on the original partial differential equations. Numerical tools and geometrical techniques from dynamical systems theory are illustrated with reference to the single-degree-of-freedom model of cable, reporting on measures for diagnosis of nonlinear and chaotic response, as well as on techniques for local and global bifurcation analysis. The paper ends with a discussion on the main features and problems encountered in nonlinear experimental analysis of vibrating suspended cables. This review article cites 226 references.