On the equilibrium configurations of an elastically constrained rotating disk: An analytical approach

According to the linear theory of vibration for spinning disks, the backward traveling waves of some of the modes may have zero natural frequency at what are called the critical speeds. At these speeds, the linear equations of motion cannot properly predict the amplitude response of the spinning disk, and nonlinear equations of motion must be used. In this paper, geometrical nonlinear equations of motion based on Von Karman plate theory are employed to study the dynamics of an elastically constrained disk near its critical speeds. A one-mode approximation is used to examine the effect of elastic constraint on the amplitude response. Presenting the equations in a space-fixed coordinate system, this study aims to find closed-form solutions for some of the equilibrium configurations of an elastically constrained spinning disk. Also, the stability of these configurations is studied using analytical techniques. It is shown that below the critical speed, one neutrally stable equilibrium solution exists, while above it, a bifurcation occurs. In this situation, two more branches of equilibrium configurations emerge, one of which is neutrally stable and the other unstable. Closed-form expressions for the bifurcation points are obtained. Due to the effect of an elastic constraint, a bifurcation occurs and the previously neutrally stable equilibrium configuration turns unstable. Also at this bifurcation point, two more branches of equilibrium solutions emerge. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.