Complexification-averaging method via the averaged Lagrangian

Abstract

In this paper, the complexification-averaging (CX-A) method for multi-DOF nonlinear vibratory systems is rederived in a new way based upon the averaged Lagrangian. The complex variables are introduced to represent the original displacements and velocities, and then the fast–slow decomposition of the complex variables is made. The time averaging of the Lagrangian over the fast variables is performed. Two different expressions for the kinetic energy are presented, and this results in two schemes for deriving the governing equations of the slow variables. For the scheme I, through the order analysis of the derivatives of the slow variables, it is shown that the second-order terms appeared in the averaged Lagrangian can be omitted, and thus a reduced averaged Lagrangian is obtained. Via the reduced averaged Lagrangian, the corresponding Lagrangian equations are derived. For the scheme II, through time averaging, the averaged Lagrangian is obtained, and then the corresponding equations for the slow variables can be obtained. Finally, two nonlinear vibratory systems with two-DOF and four-DOF, respectively, are given as examples to illustrate the new procedure for the CX-A method. The loci of nonlinear normal modes on the potential surface are studied in the first example, and the frequency-energy plot is investigated in the second example.