A Transfer Matrix Method for Free Vibration Analysis of Tapering Pipe

In this paper, theoretical solutions of free transverse vibration for tapering pipe considering variable cross section have been investigated using Bessel function in low frequency domain. Natural frequency was calculated by transfer matrix method (TMM) based on an accurate theoretical model. The effectiveness and validity of TMM with Bessel function was confirmed in comparison with TMM of discrete uniform pipe and Finite Element Method. Furthermore, dimensionless model was proposed to avoid the singularity, instability and overflow in calculation. The geometry effect, such as tapering ratio, thickness-radius and length-radius ratio influence on the nature frequency was explored. The present study was envisaged to provide useful insights for dynamic analysis of pipeline systems.