MODAL-ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES WITH HOLONOMIC CONSTRAINTS

A formulation is presented to predict the modal parameters of constrained structural systems. The formulation employs the Lagrange multiplier technique to investigate structural vibration before and after holonomic constraints are imposed. Holonomic constraint can either be of the linear, scleronomic type that accounts for structure compatibility, or of the rheonomic, nonlinear type for structures with deployable or articulated components. The vibration and stability of an integrated, constrained structural system can be predicted from the modal parameters of the corresponding unconstrained system and the characteristics of holonomic constraints.