NONLINEAR VIBRATIONS

A nonlinear system is a system which is

not linear, that is, a system which does not
satisfy the superposition principle, or whose
output is not proportional to its input.
• Most physical systems are inherently nonlinear
in nature. Nonlinear equations are difficult to
solve and give rise to interesting phenomena
such as chaos.
• Chaos Theory explains how a small change in
initial condition affects the whole system
• Sensitivity to initial conditions is popularly
known as the Butterfly Effect.
• This was proposed by Edward Lorenz in 1972
to the American Association for Advancement
in Science in Washington, D.C. entitled
Predictability
• Does the Flap of a Butterfly’s Wings in Brazil set
off a Tornado in Texas? The flapping wing
represents a small change in the initial condition
of the system, which causes a chain of events
leading to large-scale phenomena. Had the
butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of
the system might have been vastly different.
 Examples of Chaotic system
• Dynamical billiards
• Economic bubble
• Double pendulum
• Weather
Types of nonlinear behaviors
• Indeterminism - the behavior of a system cannot be
predicted.
• Multistability - alternating between two or more
exclusive states.
• Aperiodic oscillations - functions that do not repeat
values after some period
The Nonlinear problems could be solved by
following methods.
• Phase Plane Method

• Method of Isoclines

• Slopeline Numerical Integration

• Perturbation Method

• Method of Iteration
PHASE PLANE BEHAVIOURS
Stable Equilibrium Point
Saddle Point
Spiral Source
Center