Dynamic response of plates to moving loads: Finite element method

Abstract An algorithm based on a finite element approach has been developed to study the transient response of plates with arbitrary boundary conditions and subjected to moving loads. Thin plate theory is assumed for the plate model and no restriction is placed on the loading conditions. The algorithm accounts for the complete dynamic interactions between the moving loads and the plate. Therefore, the method can be applied to the general moving mass problems and also to the simplified moving force and static problems. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified by comparing the numerical results obtained from the finite element method with the exact solutions and with other available numerical and experimental results. The results indicate that there are three frequency ranges that must be looked into: a subcritical region, a critical region, and a supercritical region. The dynamic deflection varies in each region. The mass inertia of the vehicle is more pronounced in the third region, where the deflection propagates in a wave-like manner.