Harmonic balance/Galerkin method for non-smooth dynamic systems

Models of non-linear systems frequently introduce forces with bounded continuity resulting in non-smooth (even discontinuous) flow. Examples include systems with clearances, backlash, friction, and impulses. Asymptotic methods require smooth (differentiable) flow and are therefore ill-suited for analyzing non-smooth systems. In these cases, the traditional harmonic balance method may be used to obtain approximate periodic solutions, but the method suffers from extremely slow convergence in general. Generalizations of the traditional harmonic balance method are introduced in this paper that result in superior convergence rates and superior modes of convergence. These improvements derive from the introduction of one or more expansion functions that possesses the same degree of continuity as the exact solution. In particular, forming an infinite series of such functions results in an expansion in the same function space of the exact solution. This expansion converges pointwise to the exact solution and to all derivatives thereof. These improvements are illustrated by example upon re-evaluating a classical single degree-of-freedom model for friction-induced vibration.