Theoretical and Numerical Analysis of Coupled Axial-Torsional Nonlinear Vibration of Drill Strings

Based on a lumped parameter model with two degrees of freedom, the periodic response of the coupled axial-torsional nonlinear vibration of drill strings is studied by HB-AFT (harmonic balance and alternating frequency/time domain) method and numerical simulations. The amplitude-frequency characteristic curves of axial relative displacement and torsional relative angular velocity are given to reveal the mechanism of bit bounce and stick-slip motion. The stability of periodic response is analyzed by Floquet theory, and the boundary conditions of bifurcation of periodic response are given when parameters such as nominal drilling pressure, angular velocity of turntable, and formation stiffness are varied. The results show that the amplitude of the periodic response of the system precipitates a spontaneous jump and Hopf bifurcation may occur when the angular velocity of the turntable is varied. The variation of parameters may lead to the complex dynamic behavior of the system, such as period-doubling motion, quasiperiodic motion, and chaos. Bit bounce and stick-slip phenomenon can be effectively suppressed by varying the angular velocity of turntable and nominal drilling pressure.