Building functional networks for complex response analysis in systems of coupled nonlinear oscillators

Abstract

Some aspects of engineering dynamics, such as nonlinearities and transient motion of many interconnected parts, remain difficult to handle today. To comply with increasing demands on resilience and safety, the dynamics of large machines need to be better understood. Complex network methods, already present in many scientific disciplines, provide a tool set complementary to conventional methods of system analysis. This work aims at providing a new, function-based view on mechanical systems by generating functional networks. To this end, a network algorithm is applied to sets of cyclically coupled Duffing oscillators as a common example of a complex nonlinear mechanical system. In the functional network, each node represents an oscillator while the direction of the network edges represents a functional coupling. Results show that the network method is capable of identifying dynamical transitions and synchronization between components, as well as determining the number of different states present within a system. Additionally, the time evolution of the component interactions, especially in response to a disturbance, is studied via a sliding-window approach. The results of this analysis might hopefully open new ways for a more efficient system analysis through optional sensor placement, and for effective countermeasures against unwanted dynamics through improved analysis of transient dynamics.