Dynamic Response of Simple Systems to Periodic Forces

A study of the response of single-degree-of-freedom, viscously damped linear systems to non-harmonic periodic excitations is presented, so as to elucidate the effects of the various factors involved and to present information with which salient aspects of the response may be identified readily. Both the steady-state response and the absolute maximum transient response of the system are examined. The maximum steady-state response is also compared with the corresponding transient response induced by the first cycle of the forcing function. Special attention is paid to the behavior of low-frequency, compliant systems which are becoming of increasing importance in offshore construction.