The dynamical analysis of a finite inextensible beam with an attached accelerating mass (Q1282668)

We present an analytical and numerical study of the dynamics of a beam with attached masses. Specifically, we consider a finite inextensible beam that rests on a uniform elastic foundation and carries an accelerating mass. Of interest is the dynamics of the beam-mass system due to the motion of the moving mass. The influence of various parameters such as forward force, retarding force and friction upon the performance of the beam are investigated. By employing the Galerkin procedure, the partial differential equations which describe the transient vibrations of the beam-mass system are reduced to an initial value problem with finite dimensions. Then the numerical integration is used to obtain convergent solutions.