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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 April 2025
It is known that the complex eigenfrequencies of one-dimensional systems of large but finite extent are concentrated near the asymptotic curve determined by the dispersion relation of an infinite system. The global instability caused by uppermost pieces of this curve was studied in various problems, including hydrodynamic stability and fluid–structure interaction problems. In this study, we generalise the equation for the asymptotic curve to arbitrary frequencies. We analyse stable local topology of the curve and prove that it can be a regular point, branching point or dead-end point of the curve. We give a classification of unstable local tolopogies, and show how they break up due to small changes of the problem parameters. The results are demonstrated on three examples: supersonic panel flutter, flutter of soft fluid-conveying pipe, and the instability of rotating flow in a pipe. We show how the elongation of the system yields the attraction of the eigenfrequencies to the asymptotic curve, and how each locally stable curve topology is reflected on the interaction of eigenfrequencies.