Dynamic response of an elastic bridge due to a moving elastic beam

The present paper is concerned with vibrations of an elastic bridge, loaded by a second elastic beam moving with a constant speed. Both, the elastic stiffness and the mass of this “train” are taken into account in extension of the usual model of distributed forces. The train is assumed to be connected to the bridge by means of a rigid interface. We develop a solution strategy for the flexural vibrations, bending moments and shear forces in the bridge by means of symbolic computation. Concentrated force and moment are found to take place at the front of the train.