Nonlinear stability of a simplified model for the simulation of double suspension roofs

The present work deals with the nonlinear static as well as dynamic stabili ty aspects of an initially imperfect dissipative 2-mass, 3-DOF model under step loading, introduced as a simplified simulation of a class of double-su spension roofs. Employing a fully nonlinear straightforward analysis it is found that global stability, being the main feature of double-suspension ro ofing systems, is captured by the proposed autonomous conservative model. F or realistic combinations of the geometric, stiffness and damping parameter s involved the model dealt with is always associated with a stable point at tractor response and does not experience either snapping or large amplitude horizontal motions, contrary to recent findings reported for single suspen ded roof models. Finally, various mathematical and visualization obstacles were encountered, to be overcome by modern commercial software. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.