The variable coefficient fourth-order parabolic partial differential equati
on in one space variable that arise in the study of the transverse vibratio
ns of a uniform flexible beam is examined. The analytic solution is obtaine
d by using Adomian decomposition method. The nonhomogeneous problem is solv
ed by using the noise terms phenomenon. The method is tested on three probl
ems which have appeared in physical applications. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science
Inc. All rights reserved.