This study investigates a low degree-offreedom
(DoF) mechanical model of shimmying
wheels. The model is studied using bifurcation theory
and numerical continuation. Self-excited vibrations,
that is, stable and unstable periodic motions of
the wheel, are detected with the help of Hopf bifurcation
calculations. These oscillations are then followed
over a large parameter range for different damping values
by means of the software package AUTO97. For
certain parameter regions, the branches representing
large-amplitude stable and unstable periodic motions
become isolated following an isola birth. These regions
are extremely dangerous from an engineering
point of view if they are not identified and avoided at
the design stage.