Effect of irregularity and anisotropy on the dynamic response due to a shear load moving on an irregular orthotropic half-space under influence of gravity

Purpose– The response of moving load over a surface is a subject of investigation because of its possible applications in determining the strength of a structure. Recently, with the enlargement of high-speed train networks, concern has been expressed about the effects of moving loads on the track, embankment and nearby structures. Earth surface and artificial structure are not always regular in nature. Irregularities are also responsible for structural collapse of long bridge and highway of plateau area under the action of moving loads. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of irregularity on dynamic response due to a moving shear load.Design/methodology/approach– At first the authors developed the mathematical model for the problem which is comprised of equation of motion together with boundary conditions. Perturbation technique has been used to derive the stresses produced in an irregular orthotropic half-space (which is influenced by gravity) due to a moving shear load. MATLAB and MATHEMATICA softwares have been employed for numerical computation as well as graphical illustration.Findings– In this paper the authors have discussed the stresses produced in an irregular gravitating orthotropic half-space due to a moving shear load. The expression for shear stress has been established in closed form. Substantial effects of depth, irregularity factor, maximum depth of irregularity and gravitational parameter on shear stress have been reported. These effects are also exhibited by means of graphical illustration and numerical computation for an orthotropic material T300/5208 graphite/epoxy which is broadly used in aircraft designing. Moreover, comparison made through meticulous examination for different types of irregularity, presence and absence of anisotropy and gravity are highlighted.Practical implications– A number of classical fatigue failures occur in aircraft structures. The moving load responsible for such fatigue failure may occur during manufacturing process, servicing, etc. Apart from these the aircraft structures may also experience load because of environmental damages (such as lightning strike, overheat) and mechanical damages (like impact damage, overload/bearing failure). Therefore the present study is likely to find application in the field of construction of highways, airport runways and earthquake engineering.Originality/value– To the best of the authors’ knowledge no problem related to moving load on irregular orthotropic half-space under influence of gravity has been attempted by any author till date. Furthermore comparative study for different types of irregularity, presence and absence of anisotropy and influence of gravity on the dynamic response of moving load are novel and major highlights of the present study.