Affiliations: [a] Laboratory of Structures {and} Dynamics, Mechanical
Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou
Campus, Athens, Greece | [b] Flight Sciences {and} GNC Lab, Boeing Research and
Technology, The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Christopher G. Provatidis, Laboratory of
Structures {and} Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering Department, National
Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 9 Heroes of Polytechnion Ave,
157 80 Athens, Greece. Fax: +30 210 772 2347; E-mail:
cprovat@central.ntua.gr
Abstract: This paper deals with the dynamic analysis for the calculation of
the support forces in a rotating elastic rod when subjected to simple types of
axial forces. For simplicity the model starts with a linear straight spring and
a lumped mass and expands into a distributed system. The analysis shows a shift
in the natural frequency of the support forces, due to rotation and additional
axial oscillations, these are highly influenced by both the axial and the shear
forces, which are induced by the centripetal and Coriolis forces, respectively.
Based on this finding, the paper shows that it is not possible to take
advantage of the inertial forces and create long-term inertial thrust, even if
the rotation is synchronized with the shifted natural frequency. The discussion
includes extensions into the electromagnetic realm by comparing the mechanical
system with its electrical equivalent.
