Non-linear stability analysis of a complex rotor/stator contact system

In this paper, a non-linear strategy, based on the centre manifold, the rational approximants and the alternating frequency/time domain method has been developed, in order to study the non-linear dynamical behaviour of a system in the neighbourhood of a critical steady state equilibrium point. The stability analysis and the non-linear dynamics of a complex braking system with a non-linear rotor/stator contact are presented. Moreover, one of the most important steps of this paper is the determination of the non-linear behaviour and the limit cycle amplitudes of this complex system. In order to conduct this study, the dynamic response is evaluated by using applying the centre manifold, the rational approximants and the alternating frequency/time domain method, that permit to obtain rapidly and efficiently the non-linear behaviour of the system. The dynamic response obtained by applying this method is compared with that evaluated through numerical integration. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.