Stability of Vibratory Modes in Moving Media

Summary

In many mechanical systems a uniform linear or rotational motion is imposed on part of the system; e.g., rail vehicles, bandsaws, turbines, pumps, motors, generators. In such systems the kinetic energy of the steady motion provides a large reservoir of energy which under certain circumstances can be channelled into unstable vibratory modes. This paper describes a variety of destabilizing mechanisms which permit the conversion of the steady-motion energy into vibratory energy in uniaxial wave-propagation subsystems in relative longitudinal motion and in various rotordynamic systems.