Abstract: Correct predictions of the behavior of flexible bodies undergoing large rigid-body motions and small elastic vibrations is a subject of major concern in the field of flexible multibody system dynamics. Because of failing to account for the effects of dynamic stiffening, conventional methods based on the linear theories can lead to erroneous results in many practical applications. In this paper, the idea of “centrifugal potential field”,which induced by large overall rotation is introduced, and the motion equation of a coupled rigid-flexible system by employing Hamilton’s principle is established. Based on this equation, first it is proved that the elastic motion of the system has periodic property, then by using Frobenius’ method its exact solution is obtained. The influences of large overall rigid motion on the elastic vibration mode shape and frequency are analysed through the numerical examples.

Key words: coupled rigid-flexible system, dynamic stiffening, rigid-body motion, elastic vibration, periodic property