Numerical analysis of the branched forms of bending for a rod (Q2760752)

Nonlinear boundary value problems of plane bending of elastic arches subjected to uniformly distributed load are solved numerically by shooting method. The problems are formulated for a system of sixth-order ordinary differential equations that are more general than Euler beam equations. The author considers four variants of rod loading by transverse and longitudinal forces, examines the branching of solutions of boundary value problems, and proves the existence of intersected and isolated branches. In the case of a follower longitudinal force, the author obtains solutions for classical Euler elasticae. Additionally, the author proves existence and uniqueness of rectilinear equilibrium for a compressed rod in the presence of a follower longitudinal force.