CHAPTER FOUR

ELASTIC FOUNDATIONS
* Bending of beams on elastic foundations and solutions
** Solution by superposition and Contact stress problems
4.1 Introduction and Foundation Models ---- Winkler

Foundation
4.2 Governing Equations For Uniform Straight Beams on
Elastic Foundations

4.3 Semi-infinite and Infinite Beams with Concentrated Loads

4.4 Semi-infinite and Infinite Beams with Distributed Loads,
Short Beams

4.5 Contact Stresses ---- Problem and Solutions

Review and Summary

4.1 Introduction and Foundation Models
---- Winkler Foundation
l Concept of Elastic Foundations and the Effect of the

Foundation on the Beam (a kind of contact)

= +

* Not to study the stresses in the foundation itself.

1
l Two Analytical Models on Elastic Foundation

(1) Model 1 ---- Winkler Model ---- a linear force-deflection

relationship is presumed

Winker foundation Elastic solid foundation

FIGURE 5.1.1. Deflections of foundation models under uniform pressure.
No beam is present.

A linear relationship between the force on the foundation

(pressure p) and the deflection w is assumed:

p = ko w ko is the foundation modulus (unit: N/m2/m)

For beams with width b, we use

p = kw = kobw, unit of k: N/m/m

** An Important restriction of the model: the contact is

never broken between beam and foundation

(2) Model 2 ---- Elastic solid Foundation ---- More realistic

but bore complicated (not used here)

2
4.2 Governing Equations For Uniform Straight
Beams on Elastic Foundations
l Governing Equations

(1) In Usual Beam Theory (MECH 101)

q(x)
q

(a)

dV dM d 2M
= − q, =V → = −q (b)
dx dx dx 2
d 2w d 4w
M = − EI → EI =q
dx 2 dx 4
(2) Beam Theory on Winkler Foundation

(a) (b) (c)

FIGURE 5.2.1. (a) Arbitrary loading on an elastically supported beam. (b)

Reaction kw of a Winkler foundation. The curve w = w(x) is the deflected shape of
the beam. (c) Forces that act on a differential element of the beam.

dV dM d 2M
= − q + kw , =V → = kw − q
dx dx dx 2
d 2w d 4w
M = − EI 2
→ EI 4
+ kw = q
dx dx
3
 l Solution of the Equation

The governing equation for a uniform beam on Winkler

foundation:

d 4w
EI 4
+ kw = q
dx
By introducing a parameter b (unit L-1)
1
 k 4
β =  
 4 EI 
The solution of the governing equation can be written as
w = e β x (C 1 sin β x + C 2 cos β x ) + e − βx (C 3 sin β x + C 4 cos β x ) + w ( q )

Particular solution related with q,

w(q) = 0 when q = 0

C1, C2, C3, C4 are constants of integration, which are determined

by B.C. When w(x) is known, V, M, θ, σ etc can be calculated

by the relevant formulas.
For the convenience, the following symbols are defined:

Aβx = e − βx (cos βx + sin βx ), Bβx = e − βx sin βx

C βx = e − βx (cos βx − sin βx ), Dβx = e − βx cos βx
These quantities are related by certain derivatives, and the value

of the above quantities are listed in the table.

4
TABLE 5.2.1 Selected Values of Terms Defined by Eqs. 5.2.7.

5
4.3 Semi-infinite and Infinite Beams with
Concentrated Loads
l Semi-infinite beams with concentrated load

(a) (b)

FIGURE 5.3.1. (a) Concentrated loads Po and Mo at the end of a semi-infinite

beam on a Winkler foundations. (b) End deflection w o and end rotation θo =
(dw/dx) x=0, both shown in the positive sense.

l Two kind of boundary conditions:

(1) prescribe Po and Mo at x = 0

(2) prescribe wo and θo at x = 0

l For Boundary condition (1)

Let w(q) = 0 in the general expression of solution. Since

w = 0 at x → ∞, we must have C1 = C2 = 0. The other two

boundary conditions determine C3, C4.
d 2w 2β 2 M o
M x =0
= − EI 2 = M o → C3 =
dx x =0
k
3
d w 2 βPo 2 β 2 M o
V x =0
= − EI 3 = 0 = − Po → C 4 = −
dx x =0
k k

So finally we have:
2 β Po 2 βM o
w(x) = D βx − C βx ,
k k
dw 2 β 2 Po 4β 3M o
θ = =− A βx + D βx , M ( x ), V ( x )
dx k k
6
 All M(x), V(x), w(x), θ(x) are damped sine and cosine wave
l Example

A semi-infinite steel bar (E = 200GPa) has a square cross

section (b = h = 80mm) and rests on a Winkler foundation
of modulus ko = 0.25 N/mm2/mm. A downward force of

50kN is applied to the end. Find the maximum and

minimum deflections and their locations. Also find max.
flexural stress and its location.

(1) Necessary constants are:

804 20N
EI = 200000 = 6. 827x1011 N ⋅ mm 2 , k = 80k 0 = ,
12 mm ⋅ mm
1
 k 4
→β =  = 0.001645/ mm
 4 EI 

(2) The displacement w(x) = 2βPoDβx / k

2βPo
wmax = w x =0 = wo = = 8.225mm
k

The min. deflection occurs at the smallest distance for

2 β 2 Po
which θ = 0. From θ = − Aβ x , we find Aβx = 0 at
k

βx = 3π/4 or x = 1432mm, corresponding Dβx = -0.0670,

2 βPo Dβx
so w min = = −0.551mm
k
(This upward deflection reminds us our assumption on

the beam – foundation connection)

7
 (3) Bending moment is M = -PoBβx / β, from the table we
find that Bβx has largest value at βx = π/4, the

corresponding Bβx = 0.3234, so Mmin = -9.8 x 106 Nmm

Mc
→ σ max = = 115MPa appears on top of the beam at
I

x = π/4β = 477mm.

l Infinite beams with concentrated load

(1) Concentrated force ---- by using previous solution ----

equivalent to:

FIGURE 5.4.1. (a) Concentrated load Po at x = 0 on a uniform infinite beam

that rests on a Winkler foundation. (b-e) Curves for deflections, rotation,
bending moment, and transverse shear force in the beam. These curves are
proportional to A βx, Bβx, C βx, Dβx, respectively.

8
By using the solution for semi-infinite beam under
concentrated load, we have:

2 β 2  o 
P
 4β 2 M
 2 + P
at x = 0, θ=− o
= 0 → Mo = o due to
k k 4β

symmetry (mirror at x = 0), we have V = 0 at x = 0.

Substituting Po / 2 and M o = Po / 4β in the previous solution

(semi-infinite beam under concentrated force and moment
at the end), we obtain the solution for infinite beam here:
β Po dw β 2 Po
w = A βx ; θ = = − B βx ;
2k dx k
P P
M = o C β x ; V = − o D βx
4β 2

Notes: In these solutions, x should be x / 0, for x < 0, the

w(x), M(x), θ(x) and V(x) must be obtained from the

symmetry and antisymmetry conditions: w(x) = w(-x), θ(x)

= -θ(-x), M(x) = M(-x), V(x) = -V(-x).

9
(2) Concentrated moment ---- by using previous solution -----
equivalent to:

FIGURE 5.4.2. (a) Concentrated moment Mo at x = 0 on a uniform infinite

beam that rests on a Winkler foundation. (b-e) Curves for deflection, rotation,
bending, moment, and transverse shear force in the beam. These curves are
proportional to Bβx, Cβx, D βx, and Bβx,, respectively.

(1) Deformation analysis: Deflections are antisymmetric

with respect to the origin; so w|x=0 = 0. Bending

Mo Mo
moment M x =0 + = ,M x =0 − =− . Substituting
2 2
into the expression w(x) for semi-infinite beam with
concentrated load,
2 βPo 2 β ( M o 2 ) M β
w x =0 = 0 = − → Po = o
k k 2

10
 Moβ M
(2) Then substituting Po = , M = o into basic
2 2
solution, we have β 2M o dw β 3 M o
w ( x) = Bβ x ,θ = = C βx
k dx k
M βM o
M ( x) = o Dβx , V = − Aβ x
2 2

The solutions for the left half of the beam must be

obtained from the following symmetry and

antisymmetry conditions:

w(x) = -w(x); θ(x) = θ(-x); M(x) = -M(-x);

V(x) = V(-x).

11
l Example: P = 18kN

1.1m
A infinite beam rest on equally spaced linear coil springs,
located every 1.1m along the beam. A concentrated load

of 18kN is applied to the beam, over one of the springs.

EI of the beam is 441x109 Nmm2, K = 275 N/mm for each
spring. Compute the largest spring force and largest

bending moment in the beam.

(1) To “smear” the springs into a Winkler foundation:

force applied to the beam by a spring with deflection

w is Kw, so if the spring spacing is L, the associated

force in each span L is Kw, then the hypothetical
distributed force is therefore Kw / L

distributed force kw distributed force Kw / L

=
of Winkler foundation by a series of springs

The “equivalent” Winkler foundation modulus is k =

K / L and the β = [k 4EI ]

1
4 = 6.136x10 -4 /mm

12
(2) According to the previous solution for infinite beam
with concentrated load P, we have

β Po
w max = w x = 0 = Aβ x = 22.1mm, the maximum
2k
spring force is Fmax = Kwmax = 6075N

Po
M max = M = C β x = 7 .33 kN ⋅ m
x= 0
4β

(3) If the beam length is finite with several springs, then

the problem can be solved as static indeterminate

beam.

13
l Example:

FIGURE 5.4.3. (a) Equal concentrated loads on an elastically supported beam.

(b-c) Resulting deflection and bending moment. Dashed lines represent results
of individual loads. Solid lines are superposed results. (d-f) Coordinate
systems used to solve the problem by superposition.

An infinite beam on a Winkler foundation has the following

properties: EI = 441x109 N ⋅ mm2 , k = 0.25N / mm/ mm
β = 6.136x10− 4 / mm

Two concentrated loads, 18kN each and 2.6m apart, are

applied to the beam. Determine wmax and Mmax.

Principal of superposition: total w and M are

w = w1 + w2 ; M = M 1 + M 2

14
 We find that wmax is at point B, M max is at A and C. The
resultant w is larger than a single load, but resultant M is a

little smaller than the case of a single load.

4.4 Semi-infinite and Infinite Beams with

Distributed Loads, Short Beams

l Semi-infinite beam with distributed load over the entire

span
(I) (II)
M=0
w=0

(a) (b)

FIGURE 5.5.1. (a) Semi-infinite beam on a Winkler foundation, loaded by

end force Po, end moment Mo, and a uniformly distributed load qo over the
entire beam. (b) Deflected shape of the beam if simply supported and loaded
by qo only.

(I) Analysis: since qo is added to the entire beam, we begin

with the general solution. At large x, the beam does not

bend. There the load is carried by the foundation

uniformly with deflection q o / k. So in the general
solution, we have C1 = C2 = 0 and w(q) = qo / k, and
qo (due to qo)
w = C 3 B β x + C 4 D βx +
k
15
The boundary condition at x = 0 leads to
2β 2 M o 2 βPo 2 β 2 M o
M x= 0
= M o → C3 = ,V x =0
= − Po → C 4 = −
k k k

The solutions are finally,

2 β Po 2β 2M o qo (due to qo)
w= Dβx − C βx +
k k k
2 β 2 Po 4 β 3M o
θ =− Aβx + Dβx , M = ..., V = ...
k k

(II) In this case, the boundary conditions are M|x=0 = 0,

w|x=0 = 0 → C3, C4 → w → support reaction at x = 0 to be
qo 2β .

l Infinite beam with distributed load over a length L

FIGURE 5.5.2. Uniformly distributed load qo, over a length L = a + b of

an infinite beam on a Winkler foundation.

(1) Method: Principal of superposition

16
(2) Basic solution: infinite beam under concentrated force P
β Po
w = A βx
2k
(3) The deflection at Q due to load qodx at O is
βqo dx
dwQ = Aβx
2k
(4) The total deflection at Q is

wQ =
β qo  a
2 k  ∫0
A βx dx + A dx [
 = − qo D a + D b
∫0 βx  2 k βx 0 βx 0
b
]
w Q = o (2 − D βa − D βb )
q
2k

(5) By the same integration, we get the total M at Q

Mq =
qo
(Bβa + Bβb )
4β 2

β qo
and θ Q = ( Aβa − Aβ b ),V Q = q o (C βa − C βb )
2k 4β

17
It is helpful to identify three cases:

(I) βL is small (or β is small), L is small: The deflection and

bending moment are greatest at the middle of the span L,

the corresponding condition is that βL £ π.

(II) βL is large: (1) deflection is constant in the center portion

w = qo / k, and bending moment is zero except in the
neighborhood of the ends of the loaded zone.

(III) Intermediate values of βL. π < βL

(I) (II) (III)

(a) (b) (c)

FIGURE 5.5.3 Deflection and bending moment in uniform and uniformly

loaded infinite beams on a Winkler foundation.

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l Short beams on a Winkler foundation

(a) (b)

FIGURE 5.6.1. (a) Centrally loaded beam of finite length on a Winkler

foundation. (b) End deflection w end at x = ± L / 2, as a fraction of center
deflection w o, versus βL. Also, the ratio of w o for a finite beam to w o for an
infinitely long beam.

P
(1) Four boundary conditions: At x = 0, θ = 0 and V = −
2

L L
at x = ,− ,M=V=0
2 2

(2) Get four constants C1, C2, C3, C4, the results are known

and are tabulated for several cases.

(3) Also 3 cases can be classified: (a) short beams; (b)

intermediate beams; (c) long beams. The ratio of center

deflection changes with the length of the beam. The ratio

of end deflection to center deflection is also plotted in the
figure.

19
4.5 Contact Stress ---- Problem and Solutions

l Features of the contact problem

(1) The area of contact between bodies grows as load

increases

(2) In the contact stress problem, stresses remain finite

l The pioneer work by Hertz in 1881

l Basic assumption:

(1) The contacting bodies are linearly elastic,

homogeneous, isotropic, and contacting zone is

relatively small.

(2) Friction is taken as zero → contact pressure is normal

to the contact area.

20
l Solution for two contacting spheres

sphere of infinite
(a) (b) radius

FIGURE 5.8.1. Radius a of the contact area and peak contact pressure po for
the cases of (a) two spheres of equal radius, and (b) a sphere on a half-space
(which amounts to a sphere of infinite radius). Poisson’s ratio is taken as υ =
0.3.
1
 
Contact area: circle of radius a = 1.109  P  R1R2 
3

 
 E  R1 + R2 
The maximum contact pressure p o

3 P   R + R2 
2
 3

po = = 0 . 388  PE 2  1  
2 πa 2
  1 2 
R R 

when a sphere (R1) pressed into a spherical socket (R2),

R2 > R1, the results are obtained by making R2 negative!

l Solution for two parallel contact cylinders of length L (L /

10a)

(1) Contact area: long rectangle L x 2a

21
 P  R1R2  PE  R1 + R2 
(2) a = 1.52   , po = 0 .418  
LE  R1 + R2  L  R1R2 

l Solution for two crossed cylinders (R1 = R2)

(1) Contact area: circular

(2) a and p o are obtained from equations in Fig. 5.8.1(b)
l Some discussions

(1) Contact pressure is not proportional to P

(2) Stress state in the center of the contact area between
spheres (x = y = z = 0)
1 + 2υ
σx = σy = − po ,σ z = − po
2

(a) (c)

(b)

FIGURE 5.8.2. (a) Circular contact area between two spheres. Contact
pressure varies quadratically from a maximum of po at x = y = 0. (b) Principal
stresses and maximum shear stress along the axis of loads P in contacting
spheres, for υ = 0.3. (c) Rectangular contact area between parallel cylinders.

22