Dynamic Whip of Elastically Restrained Plate Strips to Rapid Transit Loads

Abstract

A plate strip of infinite length and constant width is cantilevered on a uniform elastic support along one edge and free along its opposite edge. A normal line load of constant intensity applied across its width travels along the strip at constant speed. Using plate theory, steady state solutions for the flexural waves are derived in terms of the generalized Fourier integral. Superposition is used to simulate responses to distributed transit loads. Results are applicable to the design of cantilevered guidance panels for air cushion vehicles and also in the design of the metal plates for the linear induction motors sometimes used to power these vehicles.