On the response of a timoshenko beam under initial stress to a moving load

When an axial compressive force is present, the wavelength of the propagating free waves in a beam rapidly decreases. The conventional Euler-Bernoulli beam equations are often not adequate for determining dynamic behavior of the moving load on a beam supported on an elastic foundation when initial axial stress is present. Equations derived by Sun for the Timoshenko beam with initial axial stress (based on Trefftz's theory), form the basis of this investigation. Analytical solutions are presented for deformations of the beam both with and without damping. Expressions of the critical velocity as a function of initial axial stress and foundation modulus parameters, are obtained for the Timoshenko beam. Critical velocities of the Timoshenko beam, with and without axial stress, are compared with that obtained using Euler-Bernoulli beam formulation. Some significant agreements and disagreements in the behaviors of the two systems are described.