VIBRATION OF MULTISPAN NONUNIFORM BEAMS UNDER MOVING LOADS BY USING MODIFIED BEAM VIBRATION FUNCTIONS

Based on Hamilton's principle, the vibration of a multi-span non-unifo rm beam subjected to a moving load is analysed by using modified beam vibration functions as the assumed modes. The modified beam vibration functions satisfy the zero deflection conditions at all the intermedia te point supports as well as the boundary conditions at the two ends o f the beam. Numerical results are presented for both uniform and non-u niform beams under moving loads of various velocities. Examples show t hat this method converges very quickly and good results are obtained. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.