Vibration of a variable cross-section beam

Vibration of an isotropic beam which has a variable cross-section is investigated. Governing equation is reduced to an ordinary differential equation in spatial coordinate for a family of cross-section geometries with exponentially varying width. Analytical solutions of the vibration of the beam are obtained for three different types of boundary conditions associated with simply supported, clamped and free ends. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are determined for each set of boundary conditions. Results show that the non-uniformity in the cross-section influences the natural frequencies and the mode shapes. Amplitude of vibrations is increased for widening beams while it is decreased for narrowing beams.