Finite element analysis of an elastic beam structure subjected to a moving distributed mass train

This paper investigates the finite element analysis of an elastic beam structure subjected to a moving distributed load. The equations of motion are derived for a moving distributed mass train, of some mass per unit length, which is assumed to always remain in contact with the beam support structure. The finite element formulation is verified for several classes of moving load problems (i.e. a point force, a point mass, and a continuous load). Results for the proposed formulation are shown to be in excellent agreement with those available from the literature for specialised cases (i.e. a simply supported beam subjected to a moving point force, moving point mass, and moving continuous force train traveling at a constant velocity). A parametric evaluation of elastic beams subjected to a moving distributed mass train is performed. The effects of velocity, mass and train length on the beam's dynamic response are evaluated with respect to the beam stiffness and mass. Impact factors at the beam center are shown to increase with the velocity and mass of the moving mass train. The impact factors are also more sensitive to velocity than the mass distribution.