Summary
The aim of the provided research is to study the nonlinear dynamics of a slender hinged-hinged beam subjected to base excitation. The beam is tested under tension or compression load, the later resulting in a post-buckling configuration. The forced change in axial load is executed by shifting one of the support hinges. To ensure a high flexibility of the tested specimen the beam is made of an carbon epoxy composite. A specific 18-layer stacking sequence of the laminate is implemented ensuring mechanical and dynamic macroscopic material properties, equivalent to isotropic ones. During the performed experiment the amplitude-frequency responses of the system are recorded. The frequencies are swept forward and backward in order to capture expected nonlinear phenomena e.g. saddle-node type bifurcation points. Initially, the resonance states around the new equilibria states are investigated. Moreover, the dynamics of the system subjected to high base excitation magnitudes is tested when snap-through effects occur.
