Abstract
A frequency equation of beam subjected to the axial load and having ηthrough-the-width-splits is developed. The beam comprises of beam elements that are split into the upper and the lower part, and non-split beam elements. Equations of motion of each beam element are non-dimensionalized with respect to length. The frequency equation of beam is derived from that of each beam element, which satisfies the displacement of the longitudinal and transverse vibration and the boundary conditions between the beam elements. Numerical simulation and experimental work for the beam having several split beam elements are carried out to demonstrate the analytical development and its validity. The experimental results are in good agreement with those of the present frequency equation. The relationships between the split beam width and natural frequencies, and also the relationships between number of split and natural frequencies, in case that the total beam split length is same. are discussed.