Averaging method for the stability analysis of strongly nonlinear mechanical systems

A mechanical system under strongly nonlinear potential and dissipative forces, with nonlinear nonstationary perturbations having zero mean values, is studied. Proposing a special construction of Lyapunov function, the conditions are found, under which the perturbations do not influence the asymptotic stability of the trivial equilibrium position of the system. These conditions include the requirements on asymptotic stability of the disturbance-free system and the relations of the nonlinearity orders between potential and dissipative forces. The developed approach is extended to the problem of monoaxial stabilization of a rigid body.