Large amplitude non-linear oscillations of a general conservative system

This paper presents new, approximate analytical solutions to large-amplitude oscillations of a general, inclusive of odd and non-odd non-linearity, conservative single-degree-of-freedom system. Based on the original general non-linear oscillating system, two new systems with odd non-linearity are to be addressed. Building on the approximate analytical solutions of odd non-linear systems developed by the authors earlier, we construct the new approximate analytical solutions to the original general non-linear system by combinatory piecing of the approximate solutions corresponding to, respectively, the two new systems introduced. These approximate solutions are valid for small as well as large amplitudes of oscillation for which the perturbation method either provides inaccurate solutions or is inapplicable. Two examples with excellent approximate analytical solutions are presented to illustrate the great accuracy and simplicity of the new formulation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.