Vibration analysis of a stepped laminated composite Timoshenko beam

The goal of this study is to investigate the vibration characteristics of a stepped laminated composite Timoshenko beam. Based on the first order shear deformation theory, flexural rigidity and transverse shearing rigidity of a laminated beam are determined. In order to account for the effect of shear deformation and rotary inertia of the stepped beam, Timoshenko beam theory is then used to deduce the frequency function. Graphs of the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a T300/970 laminated stepped beam are given, in order to illustrate the influence of step location parameter exerts on the dynamic behavior of the beam.