On the partial simulation of a nonconservative system by a conservative system

Abstract The conditions under which a conservative system can reproduce the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a related nonconservative system are found; these reinforce conclusions arrived at intuitively and from physical reasoning. Modal frequencies for a nonconservative follower force system are then obtained from an associated conservative system, the exercise being done both numerically and experimentally. The difficulties of simulating more complicated systems are discussed.