The effect of stacking sequence and coupling mechanisms on the natural frequencies of composite shafts

In this paper the natural frequencies of composite tubular shafts have been analysed. Equivalent modulus beam theory (EMBT) with shear deformation, rotary inertia and gyroscopic effects has been modified and used for the analysis. The modifications take into account effects of stacking sequence and different coupling mechanisms present in composite materials. Results obtained have been compared with that available in the literature using different modelling. The close agreement in the results obtained clearly show that, in spite of its simplicity, modified EMBT can be used effectively for rotordynamic analysis of tubular composite shafts. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.