Analysis of large deflection dynamic response of rigid-plastic beams

Yu and Stronge (1990) employed a membrane factor to represent the large deflection effect in the dynamic response of a rigid-plastic beam-on-foundation from impact. In the present technical note, calling this procedure the membrane factor method, we further expound this method and expand its application. Using the membrane factor method, the analytical expressions for the final deflections of built-in and simply supported beams subjected to a uniformly distributed impulse are obtained simply and conveniently. The 'plastic string' behavior in the later stage of the response to extremely intensive loading is then discussed