Dynamic response of a multi-span beam on one-sided point constraints subject to a moving load

The equation of motion in matrix form of a multi-span Euler-Bernoulli beam on one-sided point constraints is formulated using Hamilton's principle and the assumed mode method. The beam is subject to a downward-directed moving load. Numerical simulations are carried out for some sample problems to demonstrate the differences in transient responses between multi-span beams on double-sided and one-sided point constraints and the effects of having multiple one-sided point constraints. The phenomenon of separation and hitting at the point constraints for a multi-span beam is highlighted.