On transverse crack effects in beams under free vibration using finite element analysis

Abstract

The research attempt towards quantifying the free vibration frequencies for cracked uniform isotropic beam through finite element analysis for analyzing the crack effects is discussed in this investigation. The present approach involves dividing the beam into segments at the crack section, which were modelled for simulation for eigen frequencies on ABAQUS platform. The simulation model is developed considering a C3D8R element. The segments are then joined together by considering interaction forces through flexibility matrices. These matrices are resulted from the compliance matrix that is governed using expressions of release rate of strains considering the stress intensity factors as described in fracture mechanics. Within the equal domain of analysis for a comparison, the findings align remarkably well with previous research, affirming the reliability, effectiveness and precision of the proposed simulation model. By examining the results of present numerical simulations, an understanding towards how the crack magnitude in depth and position affects the mode shape and frequencies of the cracked beams is elicited. This study solidifies the application suitability of developed simulation model for effective analysis of beam-like structural components.