On the stability loss for an Euler beam resting on a tensionless Pasternak foundation

Abstract

In the present work, the tensionless contact problem of an Euler–Bernoulli beam of finite length resting on a two-parameter Pasternak-type foundation is investigated. Owing to the tensionless character of the contact, the beam may lift-off the foundation and the point where contact ceases and detachment begins, named contact locus, needs be assessed. In this situation, a one-dimensional free boundary problem is dealt with. An extra condition, in the form of a homogeneous second-order equation in the displacement and its derivatives, is demanded to set the contact locus and it gives the problem its nonlinear feature. Conversely, the loading and the beam length may be such that the beam rests entirely supported on the foundation, which situation is governed by a classical linear boundary value problem. In this work, contact evolution is discussed for a continuously varying loading condition, starting from a symmetric layout and at a given beam length, until overturning is eventually reached. In particular, stability is numerically assessed through the energy criterion, which is shown to stand for the free boundary situation as well. At overturning, a descending pathway in the system energy appears and stability loss is confirmed.