Dynamic response of a finite length euler-bernoulli beam on linear and nonlinear viscoelastic foundations to a concentrated moving force

Abstract

In this paper the dynamic response of a simply-supported, finite length Euler-Bernoulli beam with uniform cross-section resting on a linear and nonlinear viscoelastic foundation acted upon by a moving concentrated force is studied. The Galerkin method is utilized in order to solve the governing equations of motion. Results are compared with the finite element solution for the linear foundation model in order to validate the accuracy of the solution technique. A good agreement between the two solution techniques is observed. The effect of the nonlinearity of foundation stiffness on beam displacement is analyzed for different damping ratios and different speeds of the moving load. The results for the time response of the midpoint of the beam are presented graphically.