We analyze the dynamic response of stiffened plates under moving loads and masses
using the finite element method. The deflections, velocities, and accelerations for each
time step are considered for the analysis using the Newmark integration method. An
efficient solution for the dynamic response of stiffened plates under moving loads and
masses in an arbitrary direction is established by developing a finite element code in
MATLAB. Since there is no published result available for the stiffened plate’s
dynamic response under a moving load, the available bare plate’s deflection result
under a moving load has been considered to validate the present method and
compared with the Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software
result. Also, a convergence study has been carried out for the bare plate
deflections due to the moving load and mass. The deflections at the center of
stiffened plates submitted to moving loads and masses with constant velocities
(maintaining the same speed with time) and accelerated velocities (increasing
the speed with time) have also been addressed. Numerical example results
demonstrate that the maximum central deflection due to a single moving load or
mass is higher than that of multiple moving loads or masses of the same
magnitude. Also, the maximum deflection position deviates faster for the
moving mass than the moving load with increased velocity or acceleration.
The central deflection is higher for the load or mass moving in an arbitrary
direction than that produced by the load or mass following a central straight
path.
