Elastodynamics of Nonshallow Suspended Cables: Linear Modal Properties

A mechanical model describing finite motions of nonshallow cables around the initial catenary configurations is proposed. An exact kinematic formulation accounting for finite displacements is adopted, whereas the material is assumed to be linearly elastic. The nondimensional mechanical parameters governing the motions of nonshallow cables are obtained via a suitable nondimensionalization, and the regions of their physically plausible values are portrayed. The spectral properties of linear unforced undamped vibrations around the initial static configurations are investigated via a Galerkin-Ritz discretization. A classification of the modes is obtained on the basis of their associated energy content, leading to geometric modes, elastostatic modes (with prevalent transverse motions and appreciable stretching), and elastodynamic modes (with prevalent longitudinal motion). Moreover, an extension of Irvine’s model to moderately nonshallow cables is proposed to determine the frequencies and mode shapes in closed form.