On the moving load problem in Euler–Bernoulli uniform beams with viscoelastic supports and joints

Abstract

This paper concerns the vibration response under moving loads of Euler–Bernoulli uniform beams with translational supports and rotational joints, featuring Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic behaviour. Using the theory of generalized functions to handle the discontinuities of the response variables at the support/joint locations, exact beam modes are obtained from a characteristic equation built as determinant of a \(4\times 4\) matrix, for any number of supports/joints. Based on pertinent orthogonality conditions for the deflection modes, the response under moving loads is built in the time domain by modal superposition. Remarkably, all response variables are built in a closed analytical form, regardless of the number of supports/joints.