Parametric vibrations and stability of an axially accelerating string guided by a non-linear elastic foundation

Parametric vibrations and stability of an axially accelerating string guided by a non-linear elastic foundation are studied analytically. The axial speed, as the source of parametric vibrations, is assumed to involve a mean speed, along with small harmonic variations. The method of multiple scales is applied to the governing non-linear equation of motion and then the natural frequencies and mode shape equations of the system are derived using the equation of order one, and satisfying the compatibility conditions. Using the equation of order epsilon, the solvability conditions are obtained for three distinct cases of axial acceleration frequency. For all cases, the stability areas of system are constructed analytically. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to highlight the effects of system parameters on vibration, natural frequencies, frequency-response curves, stability, and bifurcation points of the system. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.