Dynamic analysis of a rotating cantilever beam by using the finite element method

A finite element analysis for a rotating cantilever beam is presented in this study. Based on a dynamic modelling method using the stretch deformation instead of the conventional axial deformation, three linear partial differential equations are derived from Hamilton's principle. Two of the linear differential equations are coupled through the stretch and chordwise deformations. The other equation is an uncoupled one for the flapwise deformation. From these partial differential equations and the associated boundary conditions, are derived two weak forms: one is for the chordwise motion and the other is for the flapwise motion. The weak forms are spatially discretized with newly defined two-node beam elements.-With the discretized equations, the behaviours of the natural frequencies are investigated for the variation of the rotating speed. In addition, the time responses and distributions of the deformations and stresses are computed when the rotating speed is prescribed. The effects of the rotating speed profile on the vibrations of the beam are also investigated. (C) 2002 Academic Press.