Semi-analytical approach for free vibration analysis of cracked beams resting on two-parameter elastic foundation with elastically restrained ends

Abstract

In present study, free vibration of cracked beams resting on two-parameter elastic foundation with elastically restrained ends is considered. Euler-Bernoulli beam hypothesis has been applied and translational and rotational elastic springs in each end considered as support. The crack is modeled as a mass-less rotational spring which divides beam into two segments. After governing the equations of motion, the differential transform method (DTM) has been served to determine dimensionless frequencies and normalized mode shapes. DTM is a semi-analytical approach based on Taylor expansion series that converts differential equations to recursive algebraic equations. The DTM results for the natural frequencies in special cases are in very good agreement with results reported by well-known references. Also, the DTM procedure yields rapid convergence beside high accuracy without any frequency missing. Comprehensive studies to analyze the effects of crack location, crack severity, parameters of elastic foundation and boundary conditions on dimensionless frequencies as well as effects of elastic boundary conditions on cracked beams mode shapes are carried out and some problems handled for first time in this paper. Since this paper deals with general problem, the derived formulation has capability for analyzing free vibration of cracked beam with every boundary condition.