A new approach for free vibration of axially functionally graded beams with non-uniform cross-section

This paper studies free vibration of axially functionally graded beams with non-uniform cross-section. A novel and simple approach is presented to solve natural frequencies of free vibration of beams with variable flexural rigidity and mass density. For various end supports including simply supported, clamped, and free ends, we transform the governing equation with varying coefficients to Fredholm integral equations. Natural frequencies can be determined by requiring that the resulting Fredholm integral equation has a non-trivial solution. Our method has fast convergence and obtained numerical results have high accuracy. The effectiveness of the method is confirmed by comparing numerical results with those available for tapered beams of linearly variable width or depth and graded beams of special polynomial non-homogeneity. Moreover, fundamental frequencies of a graded beam combined of aluminum and zirconia as two constituent phases under typical end supports are evaluated for axially varying material properties. The effects of the geometrical and gradient parameters are elucidated. The present results are of benefit to optimum design of non-homogeneous tapered beam structures. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.