Non-periodic motions and fractals of a circular arch under follower forces with small disturbances

The deformation and dynamic behavior mechanism of submerged shell-like lattice structures with membranes are in principle of a non-conservative nature as circulatory system under hydrostatic pressure and disturbance forces of various types, existing in a marine environment. This paper deals with a characteristic analysis on quasi-periodic and chaotic behavior of a circular arch under follower forces with small disturbances. The stability region chart of the disturbed equilibrium in an excitation field was calculated numerically. Then, the periodic and chaotic behaviors of a circular arch were investigated by executing the time histories of motion, power spectrum, phase plane portraits and the Poincare section. According to the results of these studies, the state of a dynamic aspect scenario of a circular arch could be shifted from one of quasi-oscillatory motion to one of chaotic motion. Moreover, the correlation dimension of fractal dynamics was calculated corresponding to stochastic behaviors of a circular arch. This research indicates the possibility of making use of the correlation dimension as a stability index.