Dynamic Response of a Timoshenko Beam on a Winkler Foundation Subjected to a Moving Mass

Abstract

The dynamic response of a Timoshenko beam resting on a Winkler-type elastic foundation acted upon by a moving concentrated mass is analyzed and compared with the corresponding behavior of a Timoshenko beam subjected to an equivalent moving force neglecting the inertial effects of the mass. The possible separation of the moving mass from the beam during the course of the motion is investigated by monitoring the contact force between the mass and the beam. It is found that separation of the mass from the beam may occur for high axial speeds of the mass and such a separation can be suppressed by a Winkler foundation of large stiffness. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.