Calculation of higher natural frequencies of simply supported elastic composite beams using Riccati matrix method

A composite beam is composed of an upper slab and a lower beam connected at the interface by shear transmitting studs. In this paper, an improved and efficient numerical model for the calculation of higher natural frequencies of an elastic composite beam is presented. The numerical model uses the Riccati transfer matrix method. First, the exact field transfer matrix for an element of the beam is represented using the combination of the Analog Beam Method and the transfer matrix method. Second, applying Riccati method to the beam system, the natural frequencies can be easily calculated. The advantage of the present model is to overcome the numerical instabilities of the ordinary transfer matrix method, especially when calculating the higher natural frequencies of structures. A numerical example is given to illustrate and compare the results with those available from other methods. Finally, a parametric study is given to examine the effect of various parameters of the elastic composite beam on its free vibration behavior.