Free vibration analysis of pre-twisted rotating FGM beams

The natural frequencies of vibration of a rotating pre-twisted functionally graded cantilever beam are investigated. Rotating cantilever beam with pre-twist made of a functionally gradient material (FGM) consisting of metal and ceramic is considered for the study. The material properties of the FGM beam symmetrically vary continuously in thickness direction from core at mid section to the outer surfaces according to a power-law form. Equations of motion for free vibration are derived using Lagrange’s equation and the natural frequencies are determined using Rayleigh–Ritz method. The effect of parameters such as the pre-twist angle, power law index, hub radius and rotational speed on the natural frequencies of rotating functionally graded pre-twisted cantilever beams are examined through numerical studies and comparison is made with the numerical results obtained using other methods reported in literature. The effect of coupling between chordwise and flapwise bending modes on the natural frequencies has also been investigated.