Closed-form expressions for the dynamic stiffness functions of a damped cable and a damped, axially prestressed beam element are given. A dynamic damping phenomenon of a single cable is described. For a multiply-guyed mast, dynamic response functions are evaluated. Influence of cable dynamics is investigated. In case of internal resonance, the dynamic stiffness function of a cable decreases and may become negative. Nevertheless, the response function for the composed system is favourably influenced by cable vibration. This effect is quantified by means of a stochastic analysis of the system response to random excitation. The study is restricted to linear theory; validity of linear theory is discussed.
