Vibration energy flow transmission in systems with Coulomb friction

This study focusses on the vibration transmission and energy flow characteristics of low dimensional models of dynamical systems with Coulomb friction. The Karnopp friction model and smooth Coulomb friction models are employed to estimate the dry friction force. The steady-state responses of the system are determined by the harmonic balance (HB) approximations with numerical continuations and a time-marching method. The level of vibration transmission and energy dissipation within the system are assessed by the force transmissibility and power flow variables. For the single degree-of-freedom oscillator system, in the low- or high-frequency ranges away from the resonance, it is found that the dry frictional contact can suppress the vibration response and effectively dissipate vibrational energy. For the coupled system, the existence of frictional contact at the interface can lead to a significant growth in the force transmissibility and energy transfer from the force-excited subsystem to the secondary system, especially at high excitation frequencies. The interfacial frictional contact can also result in a large amount of energy dissipation at the interface. The studies show that vibration transmission and energy dissipation in a dynamic system with contacting subsystems can be tailored by adjusting the properties of the frictional contact. Design strategies can be developed using frictional contacts for vibration suppression by minimizing vibration energy transmission or maximizing energy dissipation.