Numerical response characteristics of a uniform beam carrying one discrete load

Abstract

Many practical cases of uniform beams carrying discrete loads cannot be accurately approximated either as single degree of freedom systems, or as simple uniform beams. A mathematical analysis of such systems is presented, where Bernoulli-Euler theory is used for the beam, and the effects of both the mass and the rotational inertia of the discrete load are included. Numerical values of various normal mode factors are presented for seven particular systems -- namely: a fixed-free beam with the discrete load at the tip, and fixed-fixed and hinged-hinged beams with the discrete load at the mid-point, at the one-third point, and at the one-sixth point. These factors enable one to obtain natural frequencies, made shapes, and modal response to support motion excitation.