Analysis of transverse free vibrations of rotating beams with variable cross-section using the point collocation method

Abstract

In this article, a study of transverse free vibrations of rotating cantilever beams with variable cross-sectional area is carried out using the point collocation method. The study considers four thickness variation functions, including linear, parabolic, sinusoidal, and exponential types, for the beam’s cross-sectional area changes. The point collocation method uses Gauss-Legendre points to solve the equation of motion and determine the natural frequencies. To enhance the convergence rate, the initial guess function is based on the precise mode shapes of the stationary uniform beam. The effect of section functions and various rotational speeds on the structure’s natural frequencies is investigated. The outcomes of the investigation are compared with 3D finite element simulations and related published results. Through the analysis, the results show that the point collocation method is highly accurate, with a maximum error of 0.0025% compared to 3D finite element simulations. Moreover, the natural frequencies of the rotating cantilever beams decrease as the section functions become steeper. Finally, the increase in rotational speed causes the natural frequencies to increase in a non-linear manner, with the maximum increase rate occurring at a specific rotational speed.