The free vibration analysis and a dynamic stiffness matrix for an inclined
cable are presented. The cable is assumed to have an elastic catenary profi
le, and its chord-wise component of the self-weight and damping are conside
red. After linearization of the equations of motion, closed-form solutions
of free vibration are derived. Based on the solution of free vibration of a
cable with displaceable boundaries, the dynamic stiffness for each degree
of freedom is derived by applying each harmonically varying boundary displa
cement and the dynamic stiffness matrix is assembled. The dynamic stiffness
coefficient derived in this study is compared with other closed-form solut
ions. The characteristics of the dynamic stiffness coefficient and the effe
cts of damping are investigated. The dynamic stiffness matrix for an inclin
ed cable can be usefully applied to the dynamic analysis of cable-supported
structures such as cable-stayed bridges or guyed masts. (C) 2001 Elsevier
Science Ltd. All rights reserved.