Eigenpath analysis of rotating mechanical systems based on ALE formulation

When bodies rotate they are subjected to velocity‐dependent gyroscopic and inertia effects, which alter the dynamic behaviour of the structure. Analysing its eigenpairs consisting of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, these parameter‐dependent changes can be tracked as eigenpaths by means of a continuation algorithm as in [1]. For rotationally symmetric structures an ALE approach (ALE = Arbitrary LAGRANGIAN‐EULERIAN) for the finite element method as described in [2] can be employed. It allows simulating rotational influences on the body without actually having to rotate the mesh of the structure itself. This still‐standing mesh facilitates further steps like coupling of other, static components with the rotating body. The combination of ALE with eigenpath analysis including an example is described in the following. (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)