Optimal design of impulsively loaded plastic beams for asymmetric mode motions

Optimal design of a rigid-plastic stepped beam is discussed assuming the mode form of motion. Such beam dimensions are sought for which a minimum of local or mean deflection is attained within designs of constant volume. It is assumed that the prescribed kinetic energy is imparted to the structure at the initial instant with free motion occurring afterwards. It is shown that besides three symmetric modes of motion, also the asymmetric modes may exist. An optimal design for asymmetric modes is determined and compared with a respective design for symmetric modes, obtained previously in [1].