Analysis of free vibrations of helicoidal beams

As structural members, circular helicoidal bars are frequently used in the construction industry for a variety of practical and/or aesthetical reasons. While these bars (curvilinear beams) might represent the most practical alternative for carrying loads in a specified structural configuration, the three dimensional structural response has been found to be superior compared to that of other forms of structural members under a general state of loading. Presents the results of a study that has been designed to investigate the free vibration characteristics of this type of bar. The study reported is limited to the analysis of free vibrations utilizing the method of dynamic transport matrix (DTM), and the finite elements method (FEM). A comparative study of the results provided by the DTM is presented to assess the vibration characteristics of circular helicoidal bars and circular bars. The results indicate: the inherent structural superiority of the three dimensional behaviour of circular helicoidal bars; and the computational efficiency of the DTM as compared to the FEM.