Abstract
Using the harmonic balance method to investigate the nonlinear dynamic behaviors pertaining to sub-harmonic responses is difficult compared with that of super-harmonic cases because of the limitations of the HBM. Since sub-harmonic motions differ under various initial conditions, difficulties can arise when this method is used to calculate all possible solutions within sub-harmonic resonances. To explore complex dynamic behaviors in sub-harmonic resonant areas, this study suggests mathematical and numerical techniques to estimate sub-harmonic responses depending on various initial conditions. First, sub-harmonic responses are calculated under various excitation conditions relevant to the sub-harmonic input locations of the HBM formula. Second, the HBM results are verified by comparing them with the results of the numerical simulation (NS) under various initial conditions with respect to different frequency up-sweeping paths. Finally, the positive real part of the eigenvalues is examined to anticipate bifurcation characteristics, which reflect the relevance of the complex dynamic behaviors in the eigenvalues' unstable solutions. Overall, this study successfully proves that the techniques and methods described are suitable for examining complex sub-harmonic responses, and suggests basic ideas for analyzing nonlinear dynamic behaviors in sub-harmonic resonances using the HBM.