Exact determinant for infinite order FEM representation of a Timoshenko beam-column via improved transcendental member stiffness matrices

Transcendental stiffness matrices for vibration (or buckling) have been derived from exact analytical solutions of the governing differential equations for many structural members without recourse to the discretization of conventional finite element methods (FEM). Their assembly into the overall dynamic structural stiffness matrix gives a transcendental eigenproblem, whose eigenvalues (natural frequencies or critical load factors) can be found with certainty using the Wittrick–Williams algorithm. A very recently discovered analytical property is the member stiffness determinant, which equals the FEM stiffness matrix determinant of a clamped ended member modelled by infinitely many elements, normalized by dividing by its value at zero frequency (or load factor). Curve following convergence methods for transcendental eigenproblems are greatly simplified by multiplying the transcendental overall stiffness matrix determinant by all the member stiffness determinants to remove its poles. In this paper, the transcendental stiffness matrix for a vibrating, axially loaded, Timoshenko member is expressed in a new, convenient notation, enabling the first ever derivation of its member stiffness determinant to be obtained. Further expressions are derived, also for the first time, for unloaded and for static, loaded Timoshenko members. These new expressions have the advantage that they readily reduce to corresponding expressions for Bernoulli–Euler members when shear rigidity and rotatory inertia are neglected. Additionally, the total equivalence of the normalized transcendental determinant with that of an infinite order FEM formulation aids understanding and evaluation of conventional FEM results. Examples are presented to illustrate the use of the member stiffness determinant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.