Transient resonance of an ideal string under a load moving with varying speed

Abstract The transverse velocity of an ideal string is obtained when the string experiences a point load moving with varying speed. Two cases are evaluated in which the load either accelerates or decelerates through the characteristic string speed. The consequent momentary resonance is examined and the results show that as the load speed passes through the string speed a singularity in transverse string velocity is produced which then propagates at the string speed as a homogeneous wave. The string displacements remain continuous.