Author(s)

I. Svensson

Abstract

A nonlinear dynamic system with continuously distributed mass is studied using several models: experimental, analytical as well as numerical. The nonlinearity of the system consists of geometrical constraints imposed on the motion, and it is demonstrated that, for certain choices of the govern- ing parameters periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic behaviour may occur depending on the initial conditions. One idea behind the project is to in- vestigate the number of degrees of freedom needed in order to analytically model the system accurately enough that the important characteristics of the motion are retained in the solution. It is found that the impact con- ditions at the constraints are still inadequately modeled, and more work is needed in this area. Once this work is concluded, it is intended to use the model to investigat

Keywords