Asymptotic formulas are derived for the eigenvalues of a free-ended Timoshe
nko beam which has variable mass density and constant beam parameters other
wise. These asymptotic formulas show how the eigenvalues land hence how the
natural frequencies) of such a beam depend on the material and geometric p
arameters which appear as coefficients in the Timoshenko differential equat
ions.(C) 2000 Academic Press.