A simple tool to forecast the natural frequencies of thin-walled cylinders

Abstract. This paper presents an approximate method to predict the natural frequencies of thin-walled cylinders. By taking inspiration from a previous work one authors, starting point proposed approach is proper construction reasonable eigenfunctions. However, new simple tool based on principle virtual has been developed estimate and amplitude vibration without complex numerical resolution. Moreover, applicability model extended all most common constraint conditions. The identification continuous cylinder reduced eigenvalue problem matrix whose elements depend only geometric characteristics cylinder, mechanical properties material known parameters. latter are precalculated for given boundary conditions, covering clamped or pinned end constraints. Although formulation can address any constraints combination, pinned-pinned analyzed here brevity. reliability was tested against FEM analysis results. These comparisons showed that maximum error versus exact solutions lowest frequency around 2% mode shapes case, offering excellent trade-off between accuracy ease use.