This study presents an analytical solution to the free vibration analysis of a uniform Timoshenko beam. The Timoshenko beam theory covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation and rotary inertia considerations. A material law combining bending, shear, curvature, and natural frequency is presented. This complete study is based on this material law and closed-form solutions are found. The free vibration response of single-span systems, as well as that of spring-mass systems, is analyzed. Closed-form formulations of matrices expressing the boundary conditions are presented; the natural frequencies are determined by solving the eigenvalue problem. First-order dynamic stiffness matrices in local coordinates are determined. Finally, second-order analysis of beams resting on an elastic Winkler foundation is conducted.

This paper presents an exact solution to the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT) for bending, second-order analysis, and stability. The TBT covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation considerations, whereas the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory neglects shear deformations. A material law (a moment-shear force-curvature equation) combining bending and shear is presented, together with closed-form solutions based on this material law. A bending analysis of a Timoshenko beam was conducted, and buckling loads were determined on the basis of the bending shear factor. First-order element stiffness matrices were calculated. Finally second-order element stiffness matrices were deduced on the basis of the same principle.

This paper presents an approach to the vibration analysis of axially functionally graded (AFG) non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams using the finite difference method (FDM). The characteristics (cross-sectional area, moment of inertia, elastic moduli, and mass density) of AFG beams vary along the longitudinal axis. The FDM is an approximate method for solving problems described with differential or partial differential equations. It does not involve solving differential equations; equations are formulated with values at selected points of the structure. The model developed in this paper consists of formulating differential or partial differential equations with finite differences and introducing new points (additional or imaginary points) at boundaries and positions of discontinuity (concentrated loads or moments, supports, hinges, springs, and brutal change of stiffness). The introduction of additional points allows satisfying boundary and continuity conditions. Vibration analysis of AFG non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams was conducted with this model, and natural frequencies were determined. Finally, the direct time integration method (DTIM) was presented. The FDM-based DTIM enabled the analysis of forced vibration of AFG non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams, considering the damping. The efforts and displacements could be determined at any time.

This paper presents an approach to the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT) using the finite difference method (FDM). The TBT covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation considerations, whereas the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory neglects shear deformations. The FDM is an approximate method for solving problems described with differential or partial differential equations. It does not involve solving differential equations; equations are formulated with values at selected points of the structure. The model developed in this paper consists of formulating partial differential equations with finite differences and introducing new points (additional or imaginary points) at boundaries and positions of discontinuity (concentrated loads or moments, supports, hinges, springs, brutal change of stiffness). The introduction of additional points allows satisfying boundary and continuity conditions. First-order, second-order, and vibration analyses of structures were conducted with this model. Efforts, displacements, stiffness matrices, buckling loads, and vibration frequencies were determined. In addition, tapered beams were analyzed (e.g., element stiffness matrix, second-order analysis, and vibration analysis). Finally, the direct time integration method (DTIM) was presented. The FDM-based DTIM enabled the analysis of forced vibration of structures, considering the damping. The efforts and displacements could be determined at any time.