Bifurcations and chaos of the nonlinear viscoelastic plates subjected to subsonic flow and external loads

The subharmonic bifurcations and chaotic motions of the nonlinear viscoelastic plates subjected to subsonic flow and external loads are studied by means of Melnikov method. The critical conditions for the occurrence of chaotic motions are obtained. The chaotic features on the system parameters are discussed in detail. The conditions for subharmonic bifurcations are also obtained. For the system with no structural damping, chaotic motions can occur through infinite subharmonic bifurcations of odd orders. Furthermore, we confirm our theoretical predictions by numerical simulations. The theoretical results obtained here can help us to eliminate or suppress large nonlinear vibrations and chaotic motions of the nonlinear viscoelastic plates. Based on Melnikov method, complex dynamical behaviors of the nonlinear viscoelastic plates can be controlled by modifying the system parameters.