CHAOTIC MOTION OF A NONLINEAR VISCOELASTIC BEAM UNDER A FOLLOWER FORCE

In the paper the nonlinear dynamic equation of a beam under a follower force is derived, with the viscoelastic effects taken into account. The Melnikov function method is used to give the critical condition for chaotic motion. A demonstrative example is discussed through the Poincare mapping, phase portrait and time history. Finally the path to chaotic motion is also discussed.