Saddle-Node Bifurcations of Cycles in a Relief Valve

Abstract

We extend the asymptotic perturbation (AP) method to the studyof a linear partial differential equation with nonlinear boundaryconditions. A relief valve under the combined effects of static anddynamic loadings is considered with the following resonances between thenth linear mode and the external periodic excitation: primaryresonance, subharmonic resonance of order one-half or one-third,superharmonic resonance of order-two or order-three and combinationresonance. The AP method uses two different procedures for thesolutions: introducing an asymptotic temporal rescaling and balancing ofthe harmonic terms with a simple iteration. We obtain amplitude andphase modulation equations and determine external force-response andfrequency-response curves. Stability of steady-state motions is alsoinvestigated. Saddle-node bifurcations of cycles are observed and underappropriate conditions the performance of the relief valve may beunsatisfactory due to the presence of jumps and hysteresis effects inthe system response. Global analysis is used in order to exclude theexistence of modulated motion. The validity of the method is highlightedby comparing approximate solutions with results of the numericalintegration.