Exact closed-form solutions for the natural frequencies and stability of elastically connected multiple beam system using Timoshenko and high-order shear deformation theory

A general procedure for the determination of the natural frequencies and buckling load for a set of beam system under compressive axial loading is investigated using Timoshenko and high-order shear deformation theory. It is assumed that the set beams of the system are simply supported and continuously joined by a Winkler elastic layer. The model of beam includes the effects of axial loading, shear deformation and rotary inertia. In the special case of identical beams, explicit expressions for the natural frequencies and the critical buckling load are determined using a trigonometric method. The influences of the compressive axial loading and the number of beams in the system on the natural frequencies and the critical buckling load are discussed. These results are of considerable practical interest and have wide application in engineering practice of frameworks. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.