The modal analysis method (MAM) is very useful for obtaining the dynamic responses of a structure in analytical closed forms. In order to use the MAM, accurate information is needed on the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and orthogonality of the mode shapes a priori. A thorough literature survey reveals that the necessary information reported in the existing literature is sometimes very limited or incomplete, even for simple beam models such as Timoshenko beams. Thus, we present complete information on the natural frequencies, three types of mode shapes, and the orthogonality of the mode shapes for simply supported Timoshenko beams. Based on this information, we use the MAM to derive the forced vibration responses of a simply supported Timoshenko beam subjected to arbitrary initial conditions and to stationary or moving loads (a point transverse force and a point bending moment) in analytical closed form. We then conduct numerical studies to investigate the effects of each type of mode shape on the long-term dynamic responses (vibrations), the short-term dynamic responses (waves), and the deformed shapes of an example Timoshenko beam subjected to stationary or moving point loads.
Theoretical analysis of transient waves in a simply-supported Timoshenko beam by ray and normal mode methods
