Review of synchronization in mechanical systems

Abstract

Synchronization of coupled sub-systems in both natural and engineered systems is a commonplace occurrence, but its existence and analysis in mechanical systems has received much less attention. This is a review, written for mechanical engineers, of some of the work done on complex machines that are in common use. Theoretical characteristics of the phenomena that are present are indicated by solutions to models based on self-excited oscillations. A variety of experiments on synchronization that have been carried out are reported, including work done by the authors on vibrations of rotor blades due to airflow and of automobile parts. A large number of references on the subject has been included so that a researcher who is new to synchronization in complex machinery can use this as a starting point.