Large amplitude motion mechanism and non-planar vibration character of stay cables subject to the support motions

In this study, the shooting method and the continuation technique are applied to investigate the large amplitude motion and non-planar motion characteristic of the inclined cable subject to the support motion. Considering the geometric nonlinearity and the quasi-static assumption, a spatial discrete model of the cable is formulated, which is used to determine the frequency–response curves of the cable. The effects of the amplitude of the support motion and the inclined angle on the coupling motion of the inclined cable are investigated. It is shown that the coupling motion may occur, and the motions play a noticeable role on the axial tensions of the cable. Also, the non-periodic spatial motions of the cable are examined through direct simulations.