Free vibrations of circular arches with variable cross-section

The differential equations governing free, in-plane vibrations of linearly elastic arches with variable cross-sections are derived and solve numerically for quadratic arches with three types of rectangular cross sections. Frequencies, mode shapes, cross-sectional load distributions, and the effects of rotatory inertia on frequencies are reported. Experimental measurements of frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes agree closely with those predicted by theory. The numerical methods presented here for computing for computing frequencies and mode shapes are efficient and reliable.