This research project involves the development of a laboratory facility to investigate the complex interactions between noise, stability and nonlinear dynamics inherent in mechanical systems. Specifically, the research work consists of conducting dynamics experiments on the behavior of two nonlinear mechanical models. One deals with the transverse vibrations of a rotating shaft under pulsating axial loads, and the other is the dynamics and control of coupled torsional and bending vibrations of a thin beam under nonconservative forces. Experimental measurements include data leading to statistics such as mean square responses and power spectral densities; Lyapunov exponents, fractal dimensions and correlation functions of the response coordinates; and probability density and distribution functions. The laboratory meets the needs of enhancing the experimental skills of graduate students in the areas of dynamics and control.***//
