Degenerate normal-mode states above the cutoff frequency as analogs of the thickness-shear mode for finite Timoshenko–Ehrenfest beams with free ends

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate, analytically and numerically, that degenerate states of a beam with free ends, with anti-symmetrical transverse mode shape and occurring in the first-degeneracy points above the cutoff frequency, tend asymptotically to the thickness-shear mode in the infinitely long beam limit, which has not been previously reported. We compare our numerical results, obtained using a Timoshenko–Ehrenfest beam theory of second order, with those obtained with the Finite Element method and plane stress elastodynamics theory, obtaining an excellent agreement. We show that anti-symmetric states within the vicinity of these first-degeneracy states are very similar and closely resemble the so-called thickness-shear mode but for a finite beam with free ends under flexural vibrations.