Classification of periodic solutions in a single degree-of-freedom system with backlash

In this paper a single degree-of-freedom system with backlash is studied for its periodic response. This system is modeled as a piecewise linear system with discontinuity in the net restoring force, caused by additional damping in the contact-zone. The periodic orbits are classified by their number of subspace boundary crossings and Floquet multipliers. For this classification, the known analytical solutions in the different subspaces are used in the multiple shooting algorithm and a continuation method. Some observations are also presented about the qualitative features (such as symmetry, rigid body solutions) exhibited by this class of systems