Frequency equation and mode shape formulae for composite Timoshenko beams

Exact expressions for the frequency equation and mode shapes of composite Timoshenko beams with cantilever end conditions are derived in explicit analytical form by using symbolic computation. The effect of material coupling between the bending and torsional modes of deformation together with the effects of shear deformation and rotatory inertia is taken into account when formulating the theory (and thus it applies to a composite Timoshenko beam). The governing differential equations for the composite Timoshenko beam in free vibration are solved analytically for bending displacements, bending rotation and torsional rotations. The application of boundary conditions for displacement and forces for cantilever end condition of the beam yields the frequency equation in determinantal form. The determinant is expanded algebraically, and simplified in an explicit form by extensive use of symbolic computation. The expressions for the mode shapes are also derived in explicit form using symbolic computation. The method is demonstrated by an illustrative example of a composite Timoshenko beam for which some published results are available.