On the dynamic response of beams on elastic foundations with variable modulus

An exact solution is established pertaining to the dynamic response of an Euler-Bernoulli beam resting on a Winkler foundation with variable subgrade modulus. The solution is performed by employing the infinite power series method. Moreover, using the Frobenius theorem, the proposed method is extended in order to solve the problems wherein the variation of the modulus is not an analytic function. The solution procedure is demonstrated through several illustrative examples, and the correctness of the results has been ascertained through comparison with recognized solutions in the literature. Finally, it is shown that the proposed method of solution is directly applicable to the more general problem of beams on a variable-modulus Pasternak-type foundation.