This paper presents six methods of modeling a flexible beam rotating in the vertical plane. The first three methods, Hamilton's principle, Lagrange's equations for quasi-coordinates, and Newton-Euler equations, give a continuous model. The last three methods, Lagrange's equations, Jourdain's principle, and Newton-Euler equations, give a discrete model. The main conclusion of the paper is that, if foreshortening is not properly included in the beam model, then different methods give different equations. The paper also discusses several issues concerning symbolic modeling of mechanical structures within Maple.
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