Stability and optimization of a clamped beam elastically restrained against translation on one end resting on Winkler foundation

Abstract In this study, stability and bimodal optimization of clamped beam elastically restrained against translation on one end subjected to a constant axially load are analyzed. The beam is positioned on elastic Winkler type foundation. The Euler method of adjacent equilibrium configuration is used in deriving the nonlinear governing equations. The critical load parameters, axial force and stiffness of foundation, are obtained for beam with the unit cross-sectional area. The shape of the beam stable against buckling that has minimal volume is determined by using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The optimality conditions for the case of bimodal optimization are derived. The cross-sectional area for optimally designed beam is found from the solution of a nonlinear boundary value problem. New numerical results are obtained. A first integral (Hamiltonian) is used to monitor accuracy of integration. It is shown that there is the saving in material for the same buckling force.