Non-linear vibrations of free-edge thin spherical shells:: Experiments on a 1:1:2 internal resonance

This study is devoted to the experimental validation of a theoretical model of large amplitude vibrations of thin spherical shells described in a previous study by the same authors. A modal analysis of the structure is first detailed. Then, a specific mode coupling due to a 1:1:2 internal resonance between an axisymmetric mode and two companion asymmetric modes is especially addressed. The structure is forced with a simple-harmonic signal of frequency close to the natural frequency of the axisymmetric mode. The experimental setup, which allows precise measurements of the vibration amplitudes of the three involved modes, is presented. Experimental frequency response curves showing the amplitude of the modes as functions of the driving frequency are compared to the theoretical ones. A good qualitative agreement is obtained with the predictions given by in the model. Some quantitative discrepancies are observed and discussed, and improvements of the model are proposed.