Dynamics of a Flexible Beam Contacting a Linear Spring at Low Frequency Excitation: Experiment and Analysis

Abstract

A detailed study of one-, two-, and three-impact per period motion of a vibro-impacting, pinned beam is presented involving experimental results, as well as one- and multi-degree-of-freedom theoretical models. The details of the impact event are examined and correlated to the qualitative appearance of the frequency response. In addition, it is noted that the multi-degree-of-freedom model is necessary in order to predict response at high frequencies. This study is unique in that the model system includes a pinned boundary condition, the forcing frequency is considerably lower than the fundamental in-contact natural frequency, and the frequency analysis extends into a range important for acoustic predictions.