Free vibration analysis of non-prismatic beams under variable axial forces

Despite popularity of FEM in analysis of static and dynamic structural problems and the routine applicability of FE softwares, analytical methods based on simple mathematical relations is still largely sought by many researchers and practicing engineers around the world. Development of such analytical methods for analysis of free vibration of non-prismatic beams is also of primary concern. In this paper a new and simple method is proposed for determination of vibration frequencies of non-prismatic beams under variable axial forces. The governing differential equation is first obtained and, according to a harmonic vibration, is converted into a single variable equation in terms of location. Through repetitive integrations, integral equation for the weak form of governing equation is derived. The integration constants are determined using the boundary conditions applied to the problem. The mode shape functions are approximated by a power series. Substitution of the power series into the integral equation transforms it into a system of linear algebraic equations. Natural frequencies are determined using a non-trivial solution for system of equations. Presented method is formulated for beams having various end conditions and is extended for determination of the buckling load of non-prismatic beams. The efficiency and convergence rate of the current approach are investigated through comparison of the numerical results obtained to those obtained using available finite element software.