A Finite Difference Approach to Modeling High Velocity/Variable Loads using the Timoshenko Beam Model Alan Joseph Staley Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Mechanical Engineering A.L. Wicks - Chair Robert West - Member Christian James - Member 3/18/2011 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Timoshenko Beam, Finite Difference, High Velocity Beam Loading, Variable Beam Loading