| An analytical and numerical method--the distributed transfer function method (DTFM) is generalized and implemented for modeling and analysis of complex flexible systems. Complex flexible systems studied by this work are assemblages of many one-dimensional continua and lumped parameter sub-systems. This kind of systems encompass a variety of structures and machines such as automobile bodies, buildings, bridges, airplanes, robot arms, ships, gas turbines, steam turbines, and turbogenerators.; After decomposition, displacement and stress of a uniformly distributed sub-system are determined in an exact and closed-form by the so-called distributed transfer functions. All sub-systems are assembled by imposing the displacement continuity and force balance at every interconnecting point of sub-systems. No numerical approximation or series truncation is applied. As a result, the DTFM gives precise prediction of the static and dynamic behaviors of a complex flexible system. For non-uniformly distributed components, a numerical procedure (step function approximation) can be utilized with enough precision.; The DTFM is an analytical method. It gives exact and closed form solutions for general complex flexible systems. The DTFM is engaged to analyze the stress, natural frequency, mode shape, and frequency response of a complex flexible structural system. It is also engaged to calculate the critical speed, response to unbalanced mass, response to the excitation of the harmonic force fixed in space, whirl direction, and the instability of a complex flexible rotating system.; The DTFM is capable of modeling complex flexible systems with arbitrary boundary conditions and loadings. This method is systematic in modeling different systems and convenient in computer programming. It deals with matrices which are much smaller than finite element method does and needs much less computer space than the finite element method does. |
