Asymptotic Distribution of Eigenvalues of a Constrained Translating String

A new spectral analysis for the asymptotic locations of eigenvalues of a constrained translating string is presented. The constraint modeled by a spring-mass-dashpot is located at any position along the string. Asymptotic solutions for the eigenvalues are determined from the characteristic equation of the coupled system of constraint and string for all constraint parameters. Damping in the constraint dissipates vibration energy in all modes whenever its dimensionless location along the string is an irrational number. It is shown that although all eigenvalues have strictly negative real parts, an infinite number of them approach the imaginary axis. The analytical predictions for the distribution of eigenvalues are validated by numerical analyses.