Incremental harmonic balance method with multiple time variables for dynamical systems with cubic non‐linearities

Abstract

Abstract The incremental harmonic balance method with multiple time variables is developed for analysis of almost periodic oscillations in multi‐degree‐of‐freedom dynamical systems with cubic non‐linearities, subjected to the external multi‐tone excitation. The method is formulated to treat non‐autonomous as well as autonomous dynamical systems. The almost periodic oscillations, which coexist with periodic oscillations in a rotating system model with cubic restoring force and an electromagnetic eddy‐current damper are analysed. The closed form solutions based on generalized Fourier series containing two incommensurate frequencies are obtained in the case of small non‐dimensional stiffness ratio. Almost periodic oscillations of a rotating system model in dependence on variable parameters are also analysed, where solutions are computed through an augmentation process including a greater number of harmonics and combination frequencies involved. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.