The finite element analysis of beam structures subjected to moving distributed loads

The purpose of this investigation is to use the Finite Element Method in the dynamic analysis of beam structures subjected to moving distributed loads. The Finite Element formulation proposed in this study is verified for several classes of moving load problems. Results for the proposed formulation are shown to be in excellent agreement with those available in the literature for a simply supported beam subjected to a moving point force, moving point mass and moving distributed force train traveling at a constant velocity.; Aspects of implementing the proposed formulation are explored with the main emphasis on discretization errors induced in the Finite Element analysis of moving load problems. An attempt is made to set guidelines for the development of suitable model meshes and to aid in the representation of a distributed moving load. This analysis examines the relationships between model accuracy and the number of elements used to discretize a beam structure for a moving load analysis and the number of discrete loads necessary to accurately represent a distributed load as it travels across a beam structure.; Results of a beam subjected to a moving mass train are investigated to determine the effects of velocity, mass and train length on the beam's dynamic response. To investigate the capabilities of the proposed formulation, results are compared to experimental measurements for a beam subjected to a finite length mass train. Good agreement is shown to exist between the numerical results and the experimental measurements for the dynamic response of the beam structure.; To evaluate the proposed Finite Element formulation's use as a design tool, it is employed in the modeling of a Coriolis mass flowmeter. The discussion concentrates on the principles of Coriolis mass flow measurement and the assumptions necessary to model the Coriolis mass flowmeter. A comparison of simulation results to those available in the literature demonstrates the usefulness of this approach in the modeling of a Coriolis mass flowmeter. The sensitivity of the flowmeter with respect to the forcing frequency is also investigated.