Modal analysis of cracked continuous Timoshenko beam made of functionally graded material

Abstract

The article addresses development of the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) for free vibration of cracked continuous Timoshenko beam made of Functionally Graded Material (FGM). The governing equations of free vibration are established for the beam based on the power law of material grading, actual position of neutral plane and double spring model of crack. There is conducted frequency equation of the beam with intermediate rigid supports using the TMM after the transverse displacements at rigid supports have been disregarded. Therefore, the frequency equation is simplified and becomes more useful to compute natural frequencies of continuous FGM Timoshenko beam with a number of cracks. The obtained numerical results show the essential effect of cracks, material properties and also number of spans on natural frequencies of the beam.