A displacement finite element method for analyzing a beam on continuous elastic foundation is presented. A three-dimensional model which accounts for the effects of both the Filonenko-Borodich and Pasternak foundation models in a consistent and complete way is used. A variational principle is introduced with the slope field due to bending only and the displacement field approximated by independent quantities subjected to variation. Numerical examples illustrate the accuracy of the element, the importance of shear, axial and shear-axial interaction effects associated with continuous elastic foundation, and finally the application of the element to a rotor supported by two hydrodynamic journal bearings.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26944/1/0000510.pd
