Dynamic analysis of the joint dominated beam

A method for determining the vibrational modes of the joint dominated beam is presented with reference to space erectable structures. Mathematical models with and without joint imperfection are developed. Joint imperfection is represented by a simple flexibility, k, in the axial direction of the chord members only. An interactive computer program is used to obtain eigenvalue characteristics and mode shapes of the system. Results are presented on frequencies of the given truss beam with and without joint imperfections for three-panel and 10-panel models. Also presented are results of parametric studies of the beam truss models of three and 10 panels with k = 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, and 1.0 x 10 to the -7th.