ANALYTICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELING OF BEAM DEFLECTION UNDER MOVING MASS AND DISTRIBUTED LOADS

Abstract

This study presents analytical and numerical investigations of beam deflection under moving mass and distributed loading conditions. The governing equations are formulated using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and solved analytically through modal expansion techniques. Numerical solutions are obtained using the finite difference method. The effects of moving load velocity, distributed load intensity, damping coefficient and beam stiffness on beam response are examined. Model validation is carried out through comparison between analytical and numerical solutions, showing excellent agreement with errors below 3%. The results indicate that increasing load velocity and moving mass significantly amplify beam deflection, while higher damping and flexural rigidity reduce vibration amplitudes. The developed model provides useful insight into the design and analysis of bridges, railway tracks, conveyor systems and other engineering structures subjected to moving dynamic loads.