Dynamics of a beam moving over supports (Q1064154)

The behavior of a uniform beam moving longitudinally at a prescribed rate over two bilateral supports is studied. Equations of motion are formulated by regarding the supports as kinematical constraints imposed on an unrestrained beam and by discretizing the beam via the assumed modes technique. The results of numerical simulations are displayed for cases in which the beam undergoes no longitudinal motion, sinusoidal longitudinal motion, or longitudinal motion for the purpose of repositioning. The instability of harmonic longitudinal motion is investigated, and methods are presented for predicting whether or not a given motion will give rise to an unstable response.