CHAPTER 8: Continuous Systems.

Transverse vibration of bars

In the previous chapter we considered the axial and torsional vibration of bars. These had an
infinite number of degrees-of-freedom and hence an infinite number of natural frequencies and
associated mode shapes. At every position along a bar it was necessary to determine its axial
or torsional displacement. We shall now turn to the transverse vibration of bars and it will be
necessary at each point to determine the transverse displacement and the slope. The maths is
consequentially more complex than for axial or torsional vibration.

8.1 Equation of motion

Figure 8.1 Shaft element with transverse deflection and rotation.

The analysis to be presented is based upon the Bernoulli-Euler equations and ignores shear and
rotary inertia effects. An element of a shaft is shown in figure 8.1. Applying Newton II to the v
direction for small deflections
∂2 v
S − (S + dS) + wdx = ρAdx 2 ......................................................... (8.1)
∂t
where w is the weight per unit length, ρ is the density, A the cross-section area and the other
variables are as defined in figure 8.1. Equation (8.1) reduces to,

dS ∂2v
+ w = ρA 2 .............................................................. (8.2)
dx ∂t

Since rotary inertia effects are ignored the sum of moments on the element are zero so that,

Sdx + M + dM − M = 0
and therefore
dM
S= − ....................................................................... (8.3)
dx

Contents
From simple bending theory
∂2v
M = EI .................................................................. (8.4)
∂x2
where E is Young's modulus and I is the second moment of area of the section.
Substituting (8.4) in (8.3) gives
∂3v
S = −EI 3 .................................................................. (8.5)
∂x
and substituting this value for S in (8.2)
∂4 v ∂ 2v
− EI 4 + w = ρA 2
∂x ∂t
and rearranging gives

∂2 v EI ∂ 4v w
2 + ρA 4 = ρA .............................................................. (8.6)
∂t ∂x

The right hand term results from gravity and results in a deflection from the weight of the bar. If
v is taken to be the deflection from the static equilibrium position then the right hand term
becomes zero so that,

∂2 v EI ∂ 4v
+ = 0 .............................................................. (8.7)
∂t 2 ρA ∂x4
8.2 Steady-state sinusoidal motion
For small amplitudes it may be assumed that v(x, t) = V(x)e iωt which is a sinusoidal vibration
with an amplitude varying along the bar.

Substituting in (8.7)
2 EI ∂4 V(x)
−ω V(x) + =0
ρA ∂x 4

∂ 4V(x) ρAω 2
thus − V(x) = 0
∂x4 EI
and the general form of the solution is

V(x) = Acosλx + Bsinλx + Ccoshλx + Dsinhλx ................................ (8.8)

ρAω2
where λ4 = and the values of A, B, C and D depend on the end conditions of the bar.
EI

8.2.1 For a free end S = 0 and M = 0 (ie. no excitation)

From equation (8.4)
∂2v ∂2v ∂2 V(x)
M = EI 2 so that = 0 and hence =0
∂x ∂x2 ∂x2

Contents
and from equation (8.5)
∂3v ∂3v ∂3V(x)
S = −EI so that = 0 and hence =0
∂x3 ∂x3 ∂x3

8.3 Natural frequencies of a free/free bar (ie. no excitation at either end)

equation (8.8) gives
V(x) = Acosλx + Bsinλx + Ccoshλx + Dsinhλx
differentiating with respect to x

∂V(x)
= -Aλsinλx + Bλcosλx + Cλsinhλx + Dλcoshλx
∂x
and again
∂2 V(x)
2 = -Aλ2cosλx - Bλ2sinλx + Cλ2coshλx + Dλ2sinhλx
∂x
and again
∂3V(x)
3 = Aλ3sinλx - Bλ3cosλx + Cλ3sinhλx + Dλ3coshλx
∂x

∂2 V(0) ∂3V(0)
x = 0 is a free end so = 0 and = 0 which gives
∂x2 ∂x3
∂2 V(0)
= -A + C = 0 ............................................................. (a)
∂x2
∂3V(0)
= -B + D = 0 ............................................................. (b)
∂x3
∂2 V(L) ∂3V(L)
x = L is also a free end so = 0 and = 0 which gives
∂x2 ∂x3
∂2 V(L) 2 2 2 2
2 = -Aλ cosλL - Bλ sinλL + Cλ coshλL + Dλ sinhλL = 0 ............................ (c)
∂x
∂3V(L) 3 3 3 3
3 = Aλ sinλL - Bλ cosλL + Cλ sinhλL + Dλ coshλL = 0 ............................ (d)
∂x

As there is no excitation the four equations (a), (b), (c) and (d) will give non-zero values for A, B,
C and D only at natural frequencies.

From (a) C = A and from (b) D = B so substituting in (c) and (d)

-Aλ2cosλL - Bλ2sinλL + Aλ2 coshλL + Bλ2sinhλL = 0

Aλ3sinλL - Bλ3cosλL + Aλ3sinhλL + Bλ3coshλL = 0
and rearranging
A(cosλL - coshλL) + B(sinλL − sinhλL) = 0 .......................................... (e)
A(sinλL +sinhλL ) - B(cosλL − coshλL) = 0 ........................................... (f)

Contents
from (e)
A(cosλL - coshλL)
B =- ......................................................... (g)
(sinλL - sinhλL)
and substituting in (f)
A(cosλL - coshλL)
A(sinλL +sinhλL ) + (cosλL − coshλL) = 0
(sinλL - sinhλL)

 sin 2λL -sinh 2λL + (cosλL − coshλL)2 

∴A  =0
 (sinλL - sinhλL) 

 sin 2λL -sinh 2λL + cos2 λL − 2cosλLcoshλL + cosh 2λL 

∴A  = 0
 (sinλL - sinhλL) 

 2(1− cosλLcoshλL) 
∴A  = 0
 (sinλL - sinhλL) 

Thus A = 0 is a solution and there is no motion which is not unexpected as there is no excitation
or when
1− cosλLcoshλL = 0 ........................................................... (8.9)

or A may have any value and vibration occurs, Thus equation (8.9) is the natural frequency
equation for a free/free bar. As expected there is an infinite set of solutions since the system has
an infinite number of degrees-of-freedom. The lower value solutions are,

λ 0 L = 0.0; λ 1L = 4.73; λ 2 L = 7.853; λ 3L = 10.996; λ 4L = 14.137; λ 5L = 17.279;

λ 6 L = 20.42;

ρAω2 (λL)2 EI
since λ4 = rearranging gives ω = . Thus the lower natural frequencies are,
EI L2 ρA

22.37 EI 61.67 EI 120.9 EI 199.9 EI

ω n0 = 0.0 ; ω n1 = ; ω = ; ω = ; ω = ;
L2 L2 L2 L2
n2 n3 n4
ρA ρA ρA ρA
298.6 EI 417 EI
ω n5 = 2 ; ω n6 = 2
L ρA L ρA

The zero frequency mode is expected because the system is free/free.

8.4 Mode shapes of a free/free bar

Each natural frequency has an associated mode shape. These are found from equation (8.8)

V(x) = Acosλx + Bsinλx + Ccoshλx + Dsinhλx

Contents
 A(cosλL - coshλL)
with C = A and D = B and B = - so that
(sinλL - sinhλL)

V(x) = A(cosλx + coshλx) + B(sinλx + sinhλx)

and
 (sinλL - sinhλL)(cosλx + coshλx) - (cosλL - coshλL)(sinλx + sinhλx) 
∴V(x) = A  
 (sinλL -sinhλL) 
A
since it is the "shape" we are interested in then the value of may be any value
(sinλL - sinhλL)
and the mode shape is given by,

V(x) = K[(sinλL - sinhλL)(cosλx + coshλx) - (cosλL - coshλL)(sinλx + sinhλx)]

Figure 8.2 Mode shapes of free/free bar

8.5 Natural frequencies and modes of a clamped/free bar

If a similar analysis is completed for a clamped/free bar with the clamped end having no
deflection and no slope it is found that the natural frequencies are given by,

1+ cosλLcoshλL = 0 ........................................................... (8.10)

Contents
Again as expected there is an infinite set of solutions since the system has an infinite number of
degrees-of-freedom. The lower value solutions are,

λ 1L = 1.875; λ 2 L = 4.694; λ 3L = 7.854; λ 4L = 11.0; λ 5L = 14.14; λ 6 L = 17.28;

ρAω2 (λL)2 EI
since λ4 = rearranging gives ω = . Thus the lower natural frequencies are,
EI L2 ρA

3.52 EI 22.03 EI 61.7 EI 120.9 EI

ω n1 = 2 ; ω n2 = 2 ; ω n3 = 2 ; ω n4 = 2 ;
L ρA L ρA L ρA L ρA
199.9 EI 298.6 EI
ω n5 = 2 ; ω n6 =
L ρA L2 ρA
Each natural frequency has an associated mode shape given by,

V(x) = K[(sinλL + sinhλL)(cosλx - coshλx) - (cosλL + coshλL)(sinλx - sinhλx)] ....... (8.11)

Figure 8.3 Mode shapes of a clamped/free bar

Contents
8.6 Steady state response of a free/free bar
It is informative and useful to obtain the responses of a bar when excited at one end. Consider a
free/free bar with a sinusoidal force applied at one end.

iωt
For an exciting force at one end. eg S = FL e at x = L
∂2 V(x)
If there is only an exciting force at the end then there will be no moment and so = 0 as
∂x2
for a free end.

From figure 8.1 it should be noted that at the right hand end when x = L (the length of the bar)
the force S is in the same positive direction as v.
∂3v ∂3v
Thus for x = L when S = FL e iωt from (8.5) S = −EI 3 so that F L eiωt = −EI 3
∂x ∂x

iωt ∂3V(x) ∂3V(x) F

substituting for v(x, t) = V(x)e gives F L = −EI and hence =− L
∂x 3 ∂x3 EI

∂2 V(0) ∂3V(0)
When the excitation is at x = L then x = 0 is a free end so = 0 and = 0 which
∂x2 ∂x3
gives
∂2 V(0)
= -A + C = 0 ..................................................... (a)
∂x2
∂3V(0)
= -B + D = 0 ..................................................... (b)
∂x3

∂2 V(L) ∂3V(L) F
At x = L is a forced end so 2 = 0 and 3 = − L which gives
∂x ∂x EI
∂2 V(L)
= -AcosλL - BsinλL + CcoshλL + DsinhλL = 0 ......................... (h)
∂x2
∂3V(L) F
= Aλ3sinλL - Bλ3cosλL + Cλ3sinhλL + Dλ3coshλL = − L .................. (i)
∂x3 EI

The four equations (a), (b), (h) and (i) allow the constants A, B, C and D to be found.
From (a) C = A and from (b) D = B so substituting in (h) and (i)

-AcosλL - BsinλL + AcoshλL + BsinhλL = 0

F
Aλ3sinλL - Bλ3cosλL + Aλ3sinhλL + Bλ3coshλL = − L
EI
and rearranging
A(cosλL - coshλL) + B(sinλL - sinhλL) = 0 .......................................... (j)

Contents
 FL
A(sinλL +sinhλL ) - B(cosλL − coshλL) = − ...................................... (k)
EIλ3
from (j)
A(cosλL - coshλL)
B =- ......................................................... (l)
(sinλL - sinhλL)
and substituting in (k)
A(cosλL - coshλL) F
A(sinλL +sinhλL ) + (cosλL − coshλL) = − L3
(sinλL - sinhλL) EIλ

FL (sinλL - sinhλL) FL (sinλL -sinhλL)

∴A = − 3 = =C
( 2 2 2 2
EIλ sin λL - sinh λL + cos λL - 2cosλLcoshλL + cosh λL 2EIλ3 ( cosλLcoshλL -1)
)
substituting in (8.l)

(cosλL - coshλL) FL (sinλL - sinhλL) F (cosλL - coshλL)

B =- 3 =- L3 =D
(sinλL - sinhλL) 2EIλ ( cosλLcoshλL -1) 2EIλ (cosλLcoshλL -1)

Now substituting the constants in equation (8.8) with C = A and D = B

V(x) = A(cosλx + coshλx) + B(sinλx + sinhλx)

FL (sinλL - sinhλL) F (cosλL - coshλL)

∴V(x) = 3 (cosλx + coshλx) - L 3 (sinλx + sinhλx)
2EIλ ( cosλLcoshλL -1) 2EIλ (cosλLcoshλL -1)

V(x) (sinλL - sinhλL)(cosλx + coshλx) − (cosλL - coshλL)(sinλx + sinhλx)

∴α xL = =
FL 2EIλ3(cosλLcoshλL -1)

Adopting the notation of Bishop and Johnson [1]

V(x) F8 (cosλx + coshλx) − F10 (sinλx +sinhλx)

∴α xL = =
FL 2EIλ3F3
where
F3 = cosλLcoshλL -1
F8 = sinλL - sinhλL
F10 = cosλL - coshλL

It should be noted that the response tends to infinity when F3 = 0 ie at the natural frequencies
for a free/free bar.

As an example of the receptance consider the response shown in figure 8.4. A log scale is used
for the plot as the range is very large. The magnitude of the peaks and troughs is a function of

Contents
the frequency step used by the program in calculating the response. If the steps were infinitely
small then the infinite resonances would be shown. Also the anti-resonances would have a zero
response.

Figure 8.4 End response of square section beam.

The program shows an animation at a selected frequency.

Note that as shown below in figure 8.5 the solid model is schematic, the end faces would not
stay vertical.

Figure 8.5 Deflected shape of free/free bar excited at one end.

In the same manner as above it is possible to determine the other relevant receptances of a
free/free bar. Again using the notation of Bishop and Johnson [1].

V(x) F5 (cosλx + coshλx) + (F1 + F3 )sinλx + (F1 − F3)sinhλx

∴α xo = =
Fo −2EIλ3F3
V(x) (F1 − F3 )cosλx + (F1 + F3 )coshλx - F6 (sinλx +sinhλx)
∴α xo' = =
Mo −2EIλ2 F3
V(x) F10 (cosλx + coshλx) + F7 (sinλx + sinhλx)
∴α xL' = =
ML −2EIλ2F3
where the ' indicates a moment or slope and

Contents
F1 = sinλLsinhλL F 4 = cosλLcoshλL + 1
F 5 = cosλLsinhλL - sinλLcoshλL F 6 = cosλLsinhλL + sinλLcoshλL
F 7 = sinλL + sinhλL F10 = cosλL - coshλL

When building up complex systems the so called "tip" responses will be required. These are all
the responses that involve the ends of the bar, ie x = 0 or L. These can be shown to be,

V(L) V(0) -F5 V' (0) V(0) -F1

α LL = = α oo = = α o'o = = α oo' = =
FL Fo EIλ3F3 Fo Mo EIλ2 F3
V' (L) V(L) F1 V(0) V(L) F8
α L'L = = α LL' = = α oL = = α Lo = =
FL ML EIλ2F3 FL Mo EIλ3F3
V' (L) V(0) F10 V(L) V' (0) -F10
α L'o = = α oL' = = α Lo' = = α o'L = =
Fo ML EIλ2 F3 Mo FL EIλ2 F3
V' (0) V' (L) F6 V' (L) V' (0) F7
α o'o' = = α L'L' = = α L'o' = = α o'L ' = =
Mo ML EIλF3 Mo ML EIλF3

8.7 Steady state response of a clamped/free bar

In the same manner as for the free/free condition it is possible to determine the relevant
receptances of a clamped/free bar.
-F5 F1 F6
α LL = 3 α LL' = α L'L' = 2 α L'L' =
EIλ F 4 EIλ F 4 EIλF4
An example of the tip receptance α LL of a clamped/free bar is shown in figure 8.6.

Figure 8.6 Response of clamped/free bar

The program shows an animation at a selected frequency.

Contents
8.7 Shear and rotary inertia effects
The transverse receptances, including shear and rotary inertia effects, are found in Stone [2]. For
the case when,
λGA
ω2 <
ρI
these are,
  rη2   sξ 2 
−F5 − η + F4  − ξ
€   sξ   rη 
α oo = α LL =
Δ

  rη2   sξ 2 
−sinh ηL − η + sin ξL
  − ξ
€  sξ rη
   
α Lo = α oL =
Δ
  sξ 2 
rη2 
F1 −  + F3 (sξ + rη)
  η ξ  
€ α LL’ = α L’L = −α oo’ = −α o’o =
Δ
F6 (rη − sξ)
α Lo' = α o' L = −α L' o = −α oL' =
Δ
  rη   sξ 
€ F4 rη s −  + F5sξ r − 
  ξ  η 
α L' L' = α o' o' =
€ Δ
 rη sξ  
 sin ξL − sinh ηL (sξ − rη)
 ξ η 
α L’o’ = α o’L’ =
€ Δ
Where,
F1 = sin ξL sinh ηL
€ F2 = cos ξL cosh ηL
F3 = F2 − 1
F4 = sin ξL cosh ηL
F5 = cos ξL sinh ηL
F6 = cos ξL − cosh ηL
ρω 2
s= −ξ
λGξ
€ ρω 2
r= +η
λGη
  2  1/ 2
−ρIω 2 1+ E  + ρIω 2 ρIω 2 1− E  + 4EA 
  λG    λG   
η= € 
 2EI 
 
 

Contents
 1/ 2
  2 

ρIω 2 1+ E   E 
 + 4EA 
2 2
 + ρIω ρIω 1−
  λG    λG   
ξ=  
 2EI 
 
 
  rη2 sξ 2  
Δ = ρω 2 A2 − 2F2 +  2 − 2 F1
  sξ rη  
€
Where A - cross-section area; E - Young's modulus; G – Shear modulus; ω - excitation
frequency; L - length of bar, I - second moment of area; ρ - density; λ - shear factor (= 0.75
€
for solid circular section).

An example of the effect of including shear and rotary inertia is shown in figure 8.7. This
shows the responses with and without shear and rotary inertia. For the dimensions shown, ie
with a length to diameter ratio of 0.7/0.15 (= 4.67) the first natural frequency is not significantly
changed but the frequencies of the higher modes are changed. As the length to diameter ratio is
reduced the difference in natural frequency becomes much more significant.

Figure 8.7 Responses of clamped/free bar of length 0.7m and diameter 0.15m

Contents
8.8 References

1. Bishop, R E D, and Johnson, D C, 1960, The Mechanics of Vibration, Cambridge

University Press.

2. Stone, B. J., 'The receptances of beams, in closed form, including the effects of shear and
rotary inertia.', Proc. I. Mech. E., 1992, Vol 206, 87-94.

Next chapter

Contents