Vibration analysis of horizontal self-weighted beams and cables with bending stiffness subjected to thermal loads

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims at proposing an analytical model for the vibration analysis of horizontal beams that are self-weighted and thermally stressed. Geometrical nonlinearities are taken into account on the basis of large displacement and small rotation. Natural frequencies are obtained from a linearization of equilibrium equations. Thermal force and thermal bending moment are both included in the analysis. Torsional and axial springs are considered at beam ends, allowing various boundary conditions. A dimensionless analysis is performed leading to only four parameters, respectively, related to the self-weight, thermal force, thermal bending moment and torsional spring stiffness. It is shown that the proposed model can be efficiently used for cable problems with small sag-to-span ratios (typically 1 8 , as in Irvine's theory). For beam problems, the model is validated thanks to finite element solutions and a parametric study is conducted in order to highlight the combined effects of thermal loads and self-weight on natural frequencies. For cable problems, solutions are first compared with existing results in the literature obtained without thermal effects or bending stiffness. Good agreement is found. A parametric study combining the effects of sag-extensibility, thermal change and bending stiffness is finally given.