Non-linear vibrations of suspension bridges with external excitation

Non-linear coupled vertical and torsional vibrations of suspension bridges are investigated. Method of Multiple Scales, a perturbation technique, is applied to the equations to find approximate analytical solutions. The equations are not discretized as usually done, rather the perturbation method is applied directly to the partial differential equations. Free and forced vibrations with damping are investigated in detail. Amplitude and phase modulation equations are obtained. The dependence of nonlinear frequency on amplitude is described. Steady-state solutions are analyzed. Frequency-response equation is derived and the jump phenomenon in the frequency-response curves resulting from non-linearity is considered. Effects of initial amplitude and phase values, amplitude of excitation, and damping coefficient on modal amplitudes, are determined. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.