Stability of a Beam on an Elastic Foundation Subjected to a Nonconservative Load

Abstract

In this investigation, the influence of a Winkler type of elastic foundation on the stability of the cantilever beam subjected to a nonconservative load which consists of a vertical and a follower components is studied. In addition to the common transverse foundation modulus, a rotatory foundation modulus is considered. Approximate solution is obtained by using Galerkin’s method. Numerical calculation are reported and displayed for various combinations of the nonconservativeness parameter, transverse and rotatory modulus of the foundation, distance of the point of application of the load and that of the transverse spring. As a result of the numerical study unexpected feature of stability of the cantilever beam in contrast to the behavior of the column is identified.