Traveling Loads on the Timoshenko Beam.
Abstract
A transverse force traveling along an infinite string or a beam at critical values of constant velocity generates unbounded amplitudes, in the absence of dissipation. This resonance is analagous to the unbounded amplitudes generated by a stationary force oscillating at one of the natural frequencies. The response of a finite elementary beam to a moving force of constant amplitude can be determined in terms of the eigenfunctions of the beam. Modification of elementary beam theory to take into account the effects of rotatory inertia and shear leads to the Timoshenko beam theory, from which a new set of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions can be determined. These eigenfunctions can be shown to have an orthogonality relationship which, although unusual, permits the solution of initial value and non-homogeneous problems. The procedure for solving such problems is given, and applied to the problem of a traveling load on a finite Timoshenko beam with arbitrary end conditions. Results are obtained for the case of pinned ends, and compared with those from elementary theory. Results of particular significance are that the distribution of critical speeds is altered significantly through inclusion of rotatory and shear effects, and that a shear wave, not present in the results from elementary theory, can be identified and is shown to play a major role in determining the response. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA054628
Entities
People
- Peter J. Torvik
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology