Large deflections of shear-deformable cantilever beam subject to a tip follower force

•A numerical algorithm is provided that can be used to solve the follower and the rotational load problem for a shear deformable cantilever beam.•An algorithm that allow calculation of all equilibrium configurations for a given load parameter in the case of rotational load problem is given.•The regions of possible solutions imposed by constitutive restriction are discussed.

The paper discuses a method for obtaining the equilibrium configurations of a Reissner shear-deformable cantilever beam subject to a tip follower force. Along with the classical follower force, where the angle between the force and normal to the beam cross-section remains constant, the tip rotational load is also discussed. In the latter case there are multiple possible equilibrium configurations of the beam for a given force. The theory is enhanced with numerous numerical examples and examples of deformed beams presented in graphic form.