On a system of differential equations with fractional derivatives arising in rod theory

We study a system of equations with fractional derivatives, that arises in the analysis of the lateral motion of an elastic column fixed at one end and loaded by a concentrated follower force at the other end. We assume that the column is positioned on a viscoelastic foundation described by a constitutive equation of fractional derivative type. The stability boundary is determined. It is shown that as in the case of an elastic (Winkler) type of foundation the stability boundary remains the same as for the column without a foundation! Thus, with the solution analysed here, the column exhibits the so-called Hermann-Smith paradox.