Dynamic Stability of Generalized Beck-Reut’s Beam

The classical non-conservative Beck’s beam, loaded by follower compressive force, is generalized by allowing an arbitrary angle of action of the follower force as well as allowing for excentric positioning of the applied force. For the corresponding boundary eigenvalue problem, the frequency equation is derived. Results of parametric studies are presented with an emphasis laid on the lowest eigenfrequencies. The characteristic shape of the computed curves indicates whether stability loss by divergence or by flutter occurs. A map of stability is presented in terms of parameters describing the excentricity and the angle under which the follower force acts on the beam.