Transient Dynamics of an Axially Moving Beam Subject to Continuously Distributed Moving Mass

Purpose In this paper, the transverse vibrations of an axially moving cantilever beam subject to a continuously distributed moving mass are studied numerically. Methods An elastic coupling coefficient is introduced to describe the actual elastic coupling effect between the beam and moving mass. The motion equations of the system are derived by Lagrange's equation and Galerkin method. The Newmarkbeta direct time integrating method is adopted to analyze the dynamic responses. Results and Conclusion The motion equations are verified by comparing the dynamic responses with previous literature. An interesting energy separation phenomenon is observed when the moving mass separates from the beam. The effects of moving mass parameters (moving mass velocity, length, and elastic coupling coefficient) on beam dynamics and the energy separation phenomenon are discussed. It has been observed that the elastic coupling effect between the beam and moving mass has a significant effect on beam dynamics.