Free vibration and stability analysis of axially functionally graded tapered Timoshenko beams with classical and non-classical boundary conditions

Free vibration and stability analysis of axially functionally graded tapered Timoshenko beams are studied through a finite element approach. The exact shape functions for uniform homogeneous Timoshenko beam elements are used to formulate the proposed element. The accuracy of the present element is considerably improved by considering the exact variations of cross-sectional profile and mechanical properties in the evaluation of the structural matrices. Carrying out several numerical examples, the convergence of the method is verified and the effects of taper ratio, elastic constraint, attached mass and the material non-homogeneity on the natural frequencies and critical buckling load are investigated. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.