Linear and nonlinear dynamics of cantilevered cylinders in axial flow.: Part 3:: Nonlinear dynamics

The dynamics of a cantilevered cylinder in axial flow are explored, by means of the equations derived in Part 2 of this three-part study, and using as numerical tools the finite difference method and AUTO in order to solve the discretized equations. The linear dynamics is considered first, focusing on the effect of some key parameters on stability. Then, the nonlinear dynamics is examined by means of concrete examples with parameters close to those in the experiments of Part 1, by means of bifurcation diagrams, phase-plane plots and Poincare maps. The agreement between theory and experiment is qualitatively good and quantitatively reasonable, in terms of the critical values for the various bifurcations, and the amplitudes and frequencies of the motions observed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.