This paper presents an analytical theory to define the dynamic charact
eristics of a layered beam which is composed of two parallel beams of
uniform properties with a flexible core in-between. This flexible core
may be made of a kind of viscoelastic material in order to achieve a
high shock-absorbing performance. The dynamic interactions between the
se two parallel beams are especially studied. The dynamic shape functi
ons and the dynamic stiffness matrix of a layered-beam element are est
ablished based on the analytical model of two parallel damped Timoshen
ko beams, connected to each other by the vertical springs and dashpots
uniformly distributed along the beam length. Some simple layered beam
s are employed as the application examples for demonstrations and disc
ussions.