An approximate method of predicting the response of periodically supported beams subjected to random convected loading

The space-averaged response of an infinite, elastically supported, periodic beam subjected to convected random loading has been studied by using an approximate “assumed mode” method. The complex wave motion in the beam is represented by any number of suitably chosen complex modes. With a good, yet simple, choice of mode which satisfies certain boundary conditions on one periodic beam element, a “single mode approximation” can yield very accurate values of the average response. This has been verified for a wide range of the support stiffnesses and loading convection velocities. Consideration has also been given to the ratio of the maximum response in the beam to the space-averaged response. The method has been applied only to uniform beams in this paper, but it should be readily applicable to periodic systems consisting of non-uniform beam elements.