Numerical methods for modal analysis of stepped piezoelectric beams

This paper analyzes different numerical methods for modal analysis of stepped piezoelectric beams modeled by the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Results from standard numerical approaches, that rely on the discretization of the stepped beam (assumed modes and finite-element methods), are compared with the solution of the exact transcendental eigenvalue problem for the infinite dimensional system. An accurate and manageable novel method, that enriches the assumed modes basis functions with special jump functions, is presented. Numerical results are compared with experimental data and the accuracy of the adopted beam model is validated.