The Role of Damping and Definition of the Robust Damping Factor for a Self-Exciting Mechanism With Constant Friction

Abstract

This paper presents a linear two-degree-of-freedom model in order to analyze friction-induced instabilities that are governed by modal interaction. The role of structural damping on flutter instability is undertaken, and the effects of the structural damping ratio between the stable and unstable modes are investigated in order to clarify and to explain the mechanical process of flutter instability. In certain conditions, it is demonstrated that the merging scenario and the unstable mode may change due to this structural damping ratio. Discussions not only demontrate the role of strutural damping and the associated mechanical process but also define the robust damping factor in order to avoid design errors and to reduce flutter instability.