FE-analysis of a moving beam using Lagrangian multiplier method

Lagrangian multiplier technique is employed to develop a h-p version finite element model for a certain class of dynamics problems. Legendre polynomials are used as shape functions owing to its orthogonality property. Variational principle is the basis of this formulation with essential conditions applied via Lagrangian multipliers. The example considered here is a problem of a beam moving over supports. Response behavior of the beam is investigated for various longitudinal motions. The present finite element model is validated by comparing the results with previous research work. Lagrangian multiplier implementation of the problem with finite element technique, is very effective compared to other global methods such as assumed mode technique. The inconsistencies in the model presented by Lee (1993) are also pointed out. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.