Series solution for large deflections of a cantilever beam with variable flexural rigidity

In this paper large deflection and rotation of a nonlinear Bernoulli-Euler beam with variable flexural rigidity and subjected to a static co-planar follower loading is studied. It is assumed that the angle of inclination of the force with respect to the deformed axis of the beam remains unchanged during deformation. The governing equation of this problem is solved analytically for the first time using a new kind of analytical technique for nonlinear problems, namely the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The present solution can be used for the analysis of a wide range of loads, material/cross section properties and lengths for beams undergoing large deformations. The results obtained from HAM are compared with results reported in previous works. Finally, the load–displacement characteristics of a uniform cantilever beam with different material properties under a follower force applied normal to the deformed beam axis are presented.