On various formulations of large amplitude free vibrations of beams

Abstract

Various finite element formulations of large amplitude free vibrations of beams with immovably supported ends are discussed in this paper. Analytical formulation based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method is also presented. Numerical results of the analytical approach are seen to be in good agreement with some of these finite element formulations. Mixed finite element formulations based on two methods are derived to study the large amplitude free vibrations of beams. The mixed finite element methods also show good agreement with the analytical and the above finite element formulations. Various points of view raised from time to time on the applicability of these formulations can now be clarified through these formulations and the numerical results. The weakness of the so-called improved Ritz-type finite element model in predicting the nonlinear frequency ratio is highlighted through various results of the above formulations. As a typical example, a hinged-hinged beam on immovable ends is considered for all the above formulations and the nonlinear frequencies show a good agreement amongst themselves at all amplitude levels.