Circular rigid beam on a tensionless two-parameter elastic foundation

Abstract

Summary: We analyze the behavior of a circular rigid beam on a two-parameter elastic foundation which cannot support tension stresses. The vertical displacement field of the foundation is expressed in series form which satisfies the governing differential equation. Later, for evaluation of unknown constants, this displacement field is combined with that of the circular rigid beam which consists of a rigid translation and a rigid rotation by considering conditions related to contact and lift-off regions. It is shown that the problem displays a highly nonlinear character due to the lift-off of the beam from the foundation, and the numerical treatment of the governing equations can be accomplished by iterative procedures in terms of the applied force and moment as well as the contact angle. Numerical examples are reported for various cases to verify the formulation and to demonstrate the nonlinear behavior of the beam.