Abstract
Analytical results are presented on chaotic vibrations of a post-buckled beam constrained by a nonlinear axial spring under axial and lateral excitations. The nonlinear axial spring has a weak secondary nonlinearity. Equations of motion of the beam are derived including the term of parametric excitation due to the axial excitation. Nonlinear periodic responses are calculated with the harmonic balance method. Time progress of the beam, including chaotic response, is calculated with numerical integration. Effects of the amplitude and phase of the axial excitation are examined on the nonlinear periodic responses and the chaotic responses of the beam.
