Sensitivity analysis of free torsional vibration frequencies of thin-walled laminated beams under axial load

Abstract

The paper addresses sensitivity analysis of free torsional vibration frequencies of thin-walled beams of bisymmetric open cross section made of unidirectional fibre-reinforced laminate. The warping effect and the axial end load are taken into account. The consideration is based upon the classical theory of thin-walled beams of non-deformable cross section. The first-order sensitivity variation of the frequencies is derived with respect to the design variable variations. The beam cross-sectional dimensions and the material properties are assumed the design variables undergoing variations. The paper includes a numerical example related to simply supported I-beams and the distributions of sensitivity functions of frequencies along the beam axis. Accuracy is discussed of the first-order sensitivity analysis in the assessment of frequency changes due to the fibre volume fraction variable variations, and the effect of axial loads is discussed too.