IMPACT RESPONSE OF A MULTI-SPAN BEAM WITH NONLINEAR NONSYMMETRIC SUPPORTS AND DAMPERS

This paper presents an analytical method for impact responses of a multi-span beam with non-linear non-symmetric supports and dampers. Nonlinear characteristics of supports and dampers are modeled by piecewise-linear method. The equations of motion of the system are formulated using Hamilton principle and assumed mode method. The impact behavior is described using a momentum balance method. Results of numerical simulation are given for a multi-span beam subject to transverse impacts and pulse loads respectively. The differences are illustrated between responses of beams with linear and nonlinear supports and dampers.