Abstract
Numerical methods are developed for calculating the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the tapered cantilever arches with variable curvature. The differential equations governing the free vibrations of such arches are derived and solved numerically, in which the effect of rotatory inertia is included. The parabolic shape is chosen as the arch with variable curvature while both the prime and quadratic arched members are considered as the tapered arch with variable curvature while both the prime and quadratic arched members are considered as the tapered arch. Comparisons the natural jfrequencies between this study and finite element method SAP 90 seve to validate the numerical method developed herein. The lowest four natural frequencies are reported as a function of four non-dimensional system parameters. The effects of both the rotatory inertia and cross-sectional shape are reported. Also, the typical mode shapes of stress resultants as well as the displacements are reported.