An analytical procedure to estimate both the natural frequencies and m
ode shapes of thin-walled members is presented using the transfer matr
ix method. The transfer matrix is derived from the differential equati
ons of the plate panel of thin-walled members. The proposed method giv
es exact natural frequencies and mode shapes of thin-walled members. T
hus the vibration phenomenon of such members can be clarified exactly.
Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy and
efficiency of the proposed method.