Finite element vibration analysis of rotating Timoshenko beams

The stiffness and mass matrices of a rotating twisted and tapered beam elem ent are derived. The angle of twist, breadth and depth are assumed to vary linearly along the length of beam. The effects of shear deformation and rot ary inertia are also considered in deriving the elemental matrices. The fir st four natural frequencies and mode shapes in bending-bending mode are cal culated for cantilever beams. The effects of twist, offset, speed of rotati on and variation of depth and breadth taper ratios are studied. (C) 2001 Ac ademic Press.