The prediction of transient response of beams by transform techniques

Abstract Analysis of response of structures to shock loads is one of the important aspects of structural design in the design office. In the past, efficient mathematical models, which predict accurate dynamic response, were devised. A lumped parameter beam model based on mechanical impedance has been used to predict dynamic response, the dynamic response being the transient response arising when a ground or base motion is given to the beam. In the work reported here the transient response (shear force and bending moment) of a beam, when its ends are subjected to acceleration pulse of half-sine wave, has been computed by Laplace transform methods. The shear force and bending moment at the ends of the beam as computed by Laplace transform methods compare well with the values obtained by closed form solutions. The superiority of the Laplace transform solutions over normal mode solutions is demonstrated.