An analytic approximate technique for free oscillations of positively damped systems with algebraically decaying amplitude

The currently developed analytic technique known as the homotopy analysis method is employed to propose a new approach for free oscillations of positively damped systems with algebraically decaying amplitude. In contrast to perturbation techniques, this approach is valid even for damped systems without any small/large parameters. Besides, unlike other analytic techniques, this approach itself provides us with a convenient way to adjust and control convergence of approximation series. Some typical examples are employed to illustrate its validity, effectiveness and flexibility. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.