LAUSR

Abstract Tapered beams are more efficient compared to uniform beams as they provide a better distribution of mass and strength and also meet special functional requirements in many engineering applications. In this paper, the linear and non-linear fundamental frequency parameter values of the tapered Timoshenko beams are evaluated by using the coupled displacement field (CDF) method and closed form expressions are derived in terms of frequency ratio as a function of slenderness ratio, taper ratio and maximum amplitude ratio for hinged-hinged and clamped-clamped beam boundary conditions. The effectiveness of the CDF method is brought out through the solution of the large amplitude free vibrations, in terms of fundamental frequency of tapered Timoshenko beams with axially immovable ends. The results obtained by the present CDF method are validated with the existing literature wherever possible.