Discrete frequency models: A new approach to temporal analysis

Forced vibration responses of nonlinear systems contain harmonics of the excitation frequency, These harmonics are either directly forced or are subharmonic, superharmonic, or combination resonances. Nonlinear responses of this type have been modeled historically using continuous time, discrete rime, and continuous frequency models. A new approach to dynamic systems analysis is introduced here that uses difference equations in the discrete frequency domain to describe the evolution of forced, single degree of free dom, steady state vibration responses in frequency instead of lime. A variety of possible applications in nonlinear experimental structural vibrations are also discussed.