Comparisons of experimental and numerical frequencies for classical beams carrying a mass in-span

Abstract

A frequency analysis of an Euler–Bernoulli beam carrying a concentrated mass at an arbitrary location is presented. The dimensionless frequency equation for ten combinations of classical boundary conditions is obtained by satisfying the differential equations of motion and by imposing the corresponding boundary and compatibility conditions. The resulting transcendental frequency equations are numerically solved. A parametric study on the effects of the mass and its location for each respective case is presented. To verify the validity of the transcendental equations, the results for the fixed-fixed cases are compared with those obtained experimentally. On the other hand, approximate results are given, using the Rayleigh’s method with two static deflection shape functions. The effects of the position and magnitude of the mass, as well as comparisons of the different results obtained analytically, are investigated and discussed. The comparisons clearly show that the eigenfrequencies of the beam–mass system can be accurately predicted by solving the transcendental equation, whereas the closed-form Rayleigh’s expression is suggested for a quick estimation of fundamental frequency.