The Hamiltonian dynamics is adopted to solve the eigenvalue problem for transverse vibrations of axially moving strings. With the explicit Hamiltonian function the canonical equation of the free vibration is derived. Non-singular modal functions are obtained through a linear, symplectic eigenvalue analysis, and the symplectic-type orthogonality conditions of modes are derived. Stability of the transverse motion is examined by means of analyzing the eigenvalues and their bifurcation, especially for strings transporting with the critical speed. It is pointed out that the motion of the string does not possess divergence instability at the critical speed due to the weak interaction between eigenvalue pairs. The expansion theorem is applied with the non-singular modal functions to solve the displacement response to free and forced vibrations. It is demonstrated that the modal functions can be used as the base functions for solving linear and nonlinear vibration problems.
