Nonlinear dynamics of a pendulum excited by a crank-shaft-slider mechanism

In this analysis, we consider the dynamics of a pendulum under vertical excitation of a crank-shaft-slider mechanism. The nonlinear model approaches that of a classical parametrically excited pendulum when the ratio of the length of the shaft to the radius of the crank is very large. Numerical techniques are employed to investigate the results for different parameters and initial conditions. Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, time histories and phase portraits are presented to explore conditions when the pendulum performs or not full rotations. Of special interest are the resonance regions. Rotations together with oscillations and chaos were observed in some resonance zones.