Free vibration analysis of multi-span beams with intermediate flexible constraints

This paper deals with the free vibration analysis of a multi-span beam with an arbitrary number of flexible constraints. Each span of the continuous beam is assumed to obey Timoshenko beam theory. Considering the compatibility requirements on each constraint point, the relationships between two adjacent spans can be obtained. By using a transfer matrix method, eigensolutions of the entire system can be determined. Some numerical results are shown to present the effects of support stiffness and locations.