A generalization of the concept of equivalent linearization

Abstract A method is presented whereby a non-linear second order dynamical system is replaced by a linear system in such a way that an average of the difference between the two systems is minimized. Provided the averaging operator possesses certain properties, it is shown that the replacement is unique and can be accomplished in a straightforward manner. The parameters of the replacement linear system are expressed in terms of averages of functions of the linearized solution.