Abstract
This paper deals with the linear natural vibrations analysis of beams where the geometric and material properties vary periodically along the beam axis. In contrast with homogeneous prismatic beams, the frequency spectra of such beams are irregular as there exist enlarged intervals between some adjacent frequencies. Presented here are two averaged models of beams based on the tolerance modelling approach. The assumptions of classical Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theories are adopted as the foundations. The resulting mathematical models are systems of differential equations with constant, weight-averaged coefficients. This makes it possible to apply any classical method of solution suitable for homogeneous beams, such as Galerkin orthogonalization. Here, emphasis is placed on the comparison of natural frequencies neighbouring the frequency band-gaps that are obtained from these two theories. Two basic cases of material and geometric property distribution in a periodicity cell are studied, and the natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained for a simply supported beam. The results are supported by a comparison with the finite element method and partially exact solutions.