The variation of the period of an oscillator as a result of nonlinear feedback
J D Weaver · Journal of Physics E Scientific Instruments · 1977
An oscillatory system can be maintained in vibration by nonlinear feedback. In one such feedback system, used for example in mechanical clocks, a constant force is applied over a certain range of displacement of the oscillatory device. Computer-aided solution of the phase plane diagram of this system has been employed to investigate the changes in period resulting from the application of the maintaining force. Comparison is made with existing approximate analytical solutions. Certain conclusions are reached concerning the optimum design of such oscillators.