Nonlinear Flexural Vibrations of Thin Circular Rings

Abstract

The nonlinear flexural vibrations of thin circular rings are analyzed by assuming two vibration modes and then applying Galerkin’s procedure on the equations of motion. The results show that vibrations involving either a single bending mode or two coupled bending modes can occur. Theory and experiment both indicate a nonlinearity of the softening type and the existence of these coupled-mode vibrations. Test results for the steady-state response are in good agreement with the calculated values, and the deflection modes used in the analysis agree with the experimental mode shapes. The analytical and experimental results exhibit several features that are characteristic of nonliner vibrations of axisymmetric systems in general and of circular cylindrial shells in particular.