LARGE-AMPLITUDE FREE VIBRATION OF TAPERED HINGED BEAMS

The problem of large-amplitude free flexural vibrations of uniform beams is examined using a simple, numerically exact, successive integration and iterative technique, together with an eigenvalue quantity arising from certain definitions of the time function. The actual nonlinear equilbrium equations and the exact nonlinear expressions of curvature are used. No assumptions are made as to the constancy of axial force. The hardening effect of nonlinearity is interpreted in terms of the variation of the eigenvalue-like quantity thus defined.