We tackle the problem of suppressing high-amplitude vibrations of cantilever beams when subjected to either primary external or principal parametric resonances. Guided by results of previous investigations into the nonlinear dynamics of single- and multi-degree-of-freedom structures, we design mechatronic systems of sensors, actuators, and electronic devices and implement nonlinear active feedback control. In the case of external excitation, we devise two vibration absorbers based on either quadratic or cubic feedback. We conduct theoretical analyses and demonstrate that when a two-to-one (one-to-one) internal resonance condition is imposed between the plant and the quadratic (cubic) absorber, there exists a saturation phenomenon. When the plant is forced near its resonant frequency and the forcing amplitude exceeds a certain small threshold, the nonlinear coupling creates an energy-transfer mechanism that limits (saturates) the response of the plant. Our theoretical studies reveal that the cubic absorber creates regimes of high-amplitude quasiperiodic and chaotic responses, thereby limiting its utility. However, we show that superior results can be achieved when the natural frequency of the quadratic absorber is set equal to one-half the excitation frequency. Consequently, we apply the quadratic technique through a variety of linear and nonlinear actuators, sensors, and electronic devices. We design and build second-order analog circuits that emulate the quadratic absorber. Using a DC motor, piezoelectric ceramics, and Terfenol-D struts as actuators and potentiometers, strain gages, and accelerometers as sensors, we demonstrate successful single- and multi-mode vibration control. In order to realize a more versatile implementation of the control strategy, we resort to a digital signal processing (DSP) board. We compose a code in C and design a digital absorber by developing algorithms that, in addition to replacing the analog circuit, automatically detect the amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the plant and fine-tune the absorber parameters. We take advantage of the digital realization, implement a linear absorber, and compare the performance of the quadratic absorber with that of its linear counterpart. In the case of parametric excitation, we investigate two techniques. First, we explore application of the quadratic absorber. We prove theoretically and demonstrate experimentally that this control scheme is not reliable. Then, we propose an alternate approach. We devise a control law based on cubic velocity feedback. We conduct theoretical and experimental investigations and show that the latter strategy leads to effective vibration suppression and bifurcation control. / Ph. D.

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Bridge bearing is an essential component with the function of connecting the superstructure and substructure of the bridge, transmitting load and providing movability to the superstructure. Under dynamic conditions, the internal friction of bridge bearing dissipates the vibration energy and therefore reduces the dynamic response of the bridge. Meanwhile, bearing friction is considered to have possible contribution to some nonlinear dynamic behaviour of the bridge structure, which requires further investigation.However, bearing friction, in most cases, are ignored or considered roughly and implicitly as part of structural damping in current bridge designing codes and methods. Most previous research was also focusing on bearing friction’s effect under high-amplitude vibration conditions, such as earthquake or heavy wind load. Bearing friction’s effect under common low-amplitude vibration in SLS such as train-induced vibration and vehicle-induced vibration is less attended. Although the effect of such low-amplitude vibration is less significant to structural safety, it plays an essential role to the bridge’s traffic safety and comfort. Meanwhile, the cumulative effect of such vibration can significantly influence the life and durability of bridge bearings due to its high occurring frequency. Hence, a clearer understanding of bearing dynamic behaviour is required to improve the understanding of bridge and bearing dynamics.In this thesis, an advanced numerical tool is developed for dynamic analysis of bearing friction. A 3D pot bearing finite element that can be implemented in commercial FE software ABAQUS, is programmed based on the mathematical friction models developed in previous research and the Bouc-Wen hysteretic model. Numerical results that accord with the results of relevant friction tests are produced by the calibrated and validated bearing finite element, giving proof that the element is capable to reflect the dynamic friction response of bridge pot bearing in reality.The 3D shell numerical model of Banafjäl bridge located on the Bothnia Line in Norrland, Sweden, is built as a study case of bridge dynamic analysis in this thesis, with implementation of the newly developed bearing element. The feasibility of implementing the bearing element in bridge dynamic analysis is proven by the numerical results. The nonlinear influence of bearing friction on the dynamic response of bridge structure, especially the influence on structural damping properties, is discussed preliminarily. The analysis results show that with the consideration of bearing friction, the damping presents a clear amplitude-dependency, which accords the phenomenon reported in previous research.