Analysis of structural dynamics and damping performance of a beam-tendon system undergoing large shape changes

This paper investigates modal characteristics presented by a slender beam supporting an axially elastic tendon guided across a series of points placed eccentrically along the beam span. The nonlinear structural model is developed based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method, incorporating an energy-based approach combined with a shape function discretisation. The system is studied numerically, focusing on the modal characteristics induced by the pre-stress carried by the tendon network, along with its axially viscoelastic properties. Initial experimental comparison is presented substantiating the numerically observed frequency trends induced by the applied tension. The mode-specific effects of the applied tension and stiffness and the trends observed on the natural frequencies are demonstrated with modal information extracted about the nonlinear static equilibria. The effect of axial damping is also considered to demonstrate its influence on vibration modes in the tendon-loaded beam structure.