Damping effects on the dynamic stability of a rod subjected to intermediate follower loads

Abstract

The equation of motion in matrix form of an Euler beam of uniform cross-section including the effect of internal damping subjected to an intermediate subtangential follower load is presented. The effect of slight damping on the critical follower load with respect to variation in the location of application of the follower load and the parameter for subtangentiality is examined for a specific example of a clamped-free rod. The modes of instability in the form of flutter or divergence without damping are found to be unaffected by the presence of slight damping although there may be a sharp decrease in the first critical load for instability by flutter.