Numerical solution of fourth-order boundary value problems for euler-bernoulli beam equation using FDM

Abstract

Euler-Bernoulli beam equation is widely used in engineering, especially civil and mechanical engineering to determine the deflection or strength of bending beam. In physical science and engineering, to predict the deflection for beam problem, bending moment, soil settlement and modeling of viscoelastic flows, fourth- order ordinary differential equation (ODE) is widely used. The analytical solution of most of the higher order ordinary differential equations with complicated boundary condition that occur in any engineering problems is not easy way. Therefore, numerical technique based on finite difference method (FDM) is comparatively easy and important for solving the boundary value problems (BVP). In this study four boundary conditions (Neumann condition) are considered for solving BVP. Absolute error calculation, numerical stability and convergence are discussed. Two examples are considered to illustrate the finite difference method for solving fourth order BVP. The numerical results are rapidly converged with exact results. The results shows that the FDM is appropriate and reliable for such type of problems. Thus present study will enhance the mathematical understanding of engineering students along with an application in different field.