Investigation of the influence of an intermediate hinge support in the problem of bending of an elastically restrained orthotropic beam

In this paper, based on the refined theory of orthotropic plates of variable thickness, a system of differential equations is obtained for solving the problem of bending of an elastically restrained beam with an intermediate condition. The beam thickness is constant and is subject to a uniformly distributed load. The effects of transverse shear are also taken into account. Passing to dimensionless quantities, an analytical closed solution is obtained. The question of the influence of changing the place of application of the intermediate condition on the solution is discussed. Depending on the location of the hinge bearing, the question of optimality was posed and resolved according to the principle of minimum maximum deflection. The results are presented in both tabular and graphical form. Based on the results obtained, appropriate conclusions are drawn.