Comparison of Static and Dynamic Stiffness for Beams Undergoing Flexural and Torsional Loading With an Intermediate Mass

Many studies have been performed to analyze the natural frequency of beams undergoing both flexural and torsional loading. For example, Adam (1999) analyzed a beam with open cross-sections under forced vibration. Although the exact natural frequency equation is available in literature (Lumsdaine et al), to the authors’ knowledge, a beam with an intermediate mass and support has not been considered. The models are then compared with an approximate closed form solution for the natural frequency. The closed form equation is developed using energy methods. Results show that the closed form equation is within 2% percent when compared to the transcendental natural frequency equation.