Inferring unstable equilibrium configurations from observed dynamics

Unstable equilibria play an important organizing role in nonlinear dynamic systems in a global sense. However, it is difficult to measure them directly in a physical experiment. In this study, a digital image correlation (DIC) system is used to capture the transient behavior of a post-buckled beam in which trajectories are generated by repeated impacts. The dynamic data collected by the DIC system, with relatively high temporal and spatial resolution, is used estimate equilibrium configurations of the post-buckled beam, including a detection of the presence of unstable equilibria. The results show good agreement with the equilibrium configurations obtained from two-mode models for the beam.

Duke Scholars

Author Lawrence N. Virgin Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...