Finite element analysis of elastic beams subjected to moving dynamic loads

Abstract A method for the dynamic analysis of elastic beams subjected to dynamic loads induced by the arbitrary movement of a spring-mass-damper system is presented. The governing equations for the interaction between the beam and the moving dynamic system are derived, based on a finite element formulation. This set of equations is a system of second order differential equations with time dependent coefficients. The governing equations are solved with a Runge-Kutta integration scheme to obtain the dynamic response for both the support beam and the moving system. The method is capable of handling any time dependent dynamic system motion profile with complex boundary conditions in a computationally efficient fashion. Comparison of results with several simplified test conditions previously reported shows excellent agreement. The analysis is applied to a high-speed machining operation to demonstrate the unique capabilities and characteristics of the method.