Dynamic Behavior of an Arch Structure Under Moving Point Loads

An arch structure under single moving point load had been previously studied (see Fig. 1). This project was intended to understand the dynamic response, especially the snap-through behavior over time, of such structure under two moving point loads toward each other (see dashed line in Fig. 1). Using Mathematica software package, it is possible to study the characteristics and determine the dangerous zone where snap-through would occur under certain combination of different load magnitudes and load speeds.

Fig. 1 Problem description of an arch under moving point load(s)

(courtesy of Solid Mechanics Laboratory, NTU)