Stability analysis of partially loaded Leipholz column carrying a lumped mass and resting on elastic foundation

In the present study, the stability of a cantilever column resting on an elastic foundation under the action of a uniformly distributed tangential load is discussed. A Winkler type elastic foundation is considered. Moreover, the effect of a lumped mass located in an arbitrary position on the stability of the system when the column is subjected to a partially distributed follower force is investigated. The equations of motion are obtained using the extended Hamiltonʹs principle and the influences of the lumped mass and applied load are included in the equations using the generalized functions theories. Applying the Ritz technique, the resulting equations are transformed into a general eigenvalue problem. The effects of several design parameters such as foundation elastic modulus, ratio of the lumped mass to the columnʹs mass, position of the lumped mass and the distribution model of the follower force are examined. The validity of the present analysis is confirmed by comparing the results with those obtained in literature and excellent agreement is observed. The numerical results reveal that the load distribution length and model have significant effects on the flutter boundaries of the system.