1/2 Subharmonics and Control in Nonlinear Viscoelastic Bars

This paper represents a finite element model of nonlinear viscoelastic bar and calculates the nonlinear stress wave propagating in the bar. The bifurcation diagram of the response signal varies with the excitation parameters is obtained. The correlation between the period-doubling bifurcation of the system and the subharmonics is studied. The results show that the system will produce 1/2 subharmonic when the excitation parameters make the system response in period 2. By controlling the frequency and amplitude of the excitation signals of the external excitation, 1/2 subharmonic could be generated in the viscoelastic rod.