Free vibration analysis of two parallel beams connected together through variable stiffness elastic layer with elastically restrained ends

In this study, free transverse vibration of two parallel beams connected together through variable stiffness Winkler-type elastic layer is investigated. Euler-Bernoulli beam hypothesis has been applied and the support is considered to be translational and rotational elastic springs in each ends. Linear and parabolic variation has been considered for connecting layer. The equations of motion have been derived in the form of coupled differential equations with variable coefficients. The differential transform method has been applied to obtain natural frequencies and normalized mode shapes of system. Differential transform method is a semi-analytical approach based on Taylor expansion series which converts differential equations to recursive algebraic equations and does not need domain discretization. The results obtained from differential transform method have been validated with the results reported by well-known references in the case of two parallel beams connected through uniform elastic layer. The effects of variation type and total stiffness of connecting layer, flexural rigidity ratio of beams, and boundary conditions on behavior of system are investigated and discussed in detail.