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Abstract

An investigation was carried out to determine the transient response of finite beams with discontinuities of cross section subiected to eccentric longitudinal impact. Experiments were performed on several stepped beams with increased and reduced cross section and with various end conditions.
The analysis was based on the Timoshenko beam theory which takes into account the effects of shear deformation and rotatory inertia. The governing equations were solved as a system of two second order hyperbolic partial differential equations.
The numerical solution was obtained by the method of characteristics and theoretical predictions were in excellent agreement with experimental observations at several monitoring positions along the various test beams.
The agreement between theoretical and experimental results verified the adequacy of the Timoshenko theory and its numerical solution for describing the flexural wave propagation in beams with discontinuities of cross section.
The effect of the discontinuity of beam cross section on the bending moment time distribution showed the importance of reflections in estimating the level of stresses and strains in structural elements when subjected to transient dynamic loading.
The computer program developed in this work can be used to obtain numerical solutions for. a wide range of flexural wave propagation problems in beams with discontinuities of cross section with various end conditions and loading configurations.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Science & Technology > Engineering

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