Dynamics of two coupled 4-DOF mechanical linear sliding systems with dry friction.

Abstract

The paper introduces a model of two identical coupled 4-DOF mechanical linear sliding systems with dry friction coupled with each other by a linear torsional spring. The appropriate components (bodies) of the coupled systems are riding on two separated driving belts, which are driven at constant velocities, and stick-slip vibrations can be observed. In this case the physical interpretation of the considered model could be two rows of carriages laying on the guideways and coupled by an elastic shaft, which are moving at constant velocity with respect to the guideways as a foundation. From a mathematical point of view the analyzed problem is governed by eight nonlinear ordinary second order differential equations of motion yielded by the second kind Lagrange equations. Numerical analysis is performed in Mathematica software using the qualitative and quantitative theories of differential equations. Some interesting non-linear system dynamics are detected and reported using the phase portraits and the Poincaré maps. Next, power spectra obtained by the FFT technique are reported. The presented results show periodic, quasi-periodic, chaotic and hyperchaotic orbits. Moreover, synchronization effects between the coupled systems are also detected and studied.