Periodic and chaotic dynamics in an asymmetric elastoplastic oscillator

We consider the dynamics of a harmonically forced oscillator with an asymmetric elastic–perfectly plastic stiffness function. The computed bifurcation diagrams for the oscillator show regions of periodic motion, hysteresis and large regions of chaotic motion. These different regions of dynamical behaviour are plotted in a two-dimensional parameter space consisting of forcing amplitude and forcing frequency. Examples of the chaotic motion encountered are shown using a discontinuity crossing map. Comparisons are made with the symmetric oscillator by computing a typical bifurcation diagram and considering previously published results for the symmetric system. From this we conclude that the asymmetric system is dominated by a large region of chaotic motion whereas in the symmetric oscillator period one motion and coexisting period three motion predominates.