Research Article

Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method

Volume: 27 Number: 1 August 4, 2026
TR EN

Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method

Abstract

Axially functionally graded (AFG) tapered beams are increasingly used in lightweight structures where stiffness and mass distributions are tailored along the beam axis. The variable-coefficient buckling equation of such beams precludes closed-form solutions and demands numerical treatment. While the finite element method (FEM) is dominant, alternative formulations that bypass element meshing are of interest for benchmarking and parametric studies. In this study, the elastic buckling of double-tapered AFG Euler-Bernoulli beams is solved using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). The governing equation is recast in state-space form, and the global transfer matrix is obtained by direct numerical integration. The critical load is the smallest positive root of the boundary-condition-projected characteristic determinant. The formulation is validated against the FEM benchmark for clamped-clamped, clamped-free, and simply-supported boundary conditions, with excellent agreement.

Keywords

Transfer matrix method, Axially functionally graded beams, Tapered beams, Buckling analysis, Euler-Bernoulli beam theory

References

  1. Banerjee, J. R., & Ananthapuvirajah, A. (2019). Free flexural vibration of tapered beams. Computers & Structures, 224, 106106.
  2. Birman, V., & Byrd, L. W. (2007). Modeling and analysis of functionally graded materials and structures. Applied Mechanics Reviews, 60(5), 195–216.
  3. Boiangiu, M., Ceausu, V., & Untaroiu, C. D. (2014). A transfer matrix method for free vibration analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beams with variable cross section. Journal of Vibration and Control, 22(11), 2591–2602.
APA
Taşkın, V., & Kılınç, H. C. (2026). Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method. Trakya Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 27(1), 27-41. https://doi.org/10.59314/tujes.1953069
AMA
1.Taşkın V, Kılınç HC. Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method. TUJES. 2026;27(1):27-41. doi:10.59314/tujes.1953069
Chicago
Taşkın, Vedat, and Hüseyin Can Kılınç. 2026. “Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method”. Trakya Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 27 (1): 27-41. https://doi.org/10.59314/tujes.1953069.
EndNote
Taşkın V, Kılınç HC (August 1, 2026) Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method. Trakya Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 27 1 27–41.
IEEE
[1]V. Taşkın and H. C. Kılınç, “Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method”, TUJES, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 27–41, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.59314/tujes.1953069.
ISNAD
Taşkın, Vedat - Kılınç, Hüseyin Can. “Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method”. Trakya Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 27/1 (August 1, 2026): 27-41. https://doi.org/10.59314/tujes.1953069.
JAMA
1.Taşkın V, Kılınç HC. Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method. TUJES. 2026;27:27–41.
MLA
Taşkın, Vedat, and Hüseyin Can Kılınç. “Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method”. Trakya Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 27, no. 1, Aug. 2026, pp. 27-41, doi:10.59314/tujes.1953069.
Vancouver
1.Vedat Taşkın, Hüseyin Can Kılınç. Buckling Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Tapered Euler-Bernoulli Beams via the Transfer Matrix Method. TUJES. 2026 Aug. 1;27(1):27-41. doi:10.59314/tujes.1953069