Response control for the externally excited van der Pol oscillator with non-local feedback

A non-local control force is introduced in such a way to obtain a third-order nonlinear differential equation (jerk dynamics) and to control nonlinear vibrations in an externally excited van der Pol oscillator. Two first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations governing the modulation of the amplitude and the phase of solutions are derived and subsequently the performance of the control strategy is investigated. Excitation amplitude–response and frequency–response curves are shown. In certain cases when the excitation amplitude is very low an approximate analytic solution corresponding to a modulated two-period quasi-periodic motion can be obtained for the uncontrolled system. Uncontrolled and controlled systems are compared and the appropriate choices for the feedback gains are found in order to reduce the amplitude peak of the response and to exclude the possibility of quasi-periodic motion. Numerical simulation confirms the validity of the new method.

► A non-local force is introduced.
► A third-order nonlinear differential equation (jerk dynamics) is obtained.
► Two first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations are derived.
► The performance of the control strategy is investigated.
► The appropriate choices for the feedback gains are found.