Dynamic stability of rectangular and circular cantilevers on Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation by a higher-order beam theory

Abstract

The structural stability of clamped-free beam-columns resting on a two-parameter foundation under a nonconservative force is investigated. The higher-order beam theory is developed by considering the warping of the cross-section, rotary inertia, and axial force’s direction. The characteristic equation of dynamic stability of rectangular/circular cantilevers on a Winkler-Pasternak foundation is obtained for a generalized follower force. Critical loads for divergence instability and flutter instability are evaluated. The influences of foundation stiffness, cross-sectional warping shape, the tangency coefficient on the critical loads are analyzed. The load-frequency interaction-curves are given for different directions of the follower force. The normal/shear stiffness of foundation on divergence and flutter loads has different effects. The normal stiffness increases the first divergence load but decreases the flutter load, reducing to the Herrmann–Smith paradox for Euler columns. The rise of shear stiffness enlarges the first divergence load and lowers the flutter loads. The effects are more sensitive for short beam-columns. Different warping shapes slightly affect the critical loads and the natural frequencies. The exponential warping shape gives the smallest critical divergence loads and the fundamental frequencies. The results of Haringx hypothesis are larger than those of Engesser hypothesis. For shorter columns, the classical results are overestimated and the higher-order beam theory is necessary.