Numerical frequency analysis of uniform beams with a transverse crack

Abstract

A computationally efficient numerical technique is developed for determining the natural frequency and mode shapes of uniform beams with a transverse edge crack. The flexibility due to crack presence is determined using fracture mechanics principles. The results of the frequency analysis for cantilever beams were compared with experiments conducted to verify the theory, as well as experimental, numerical and finite element results reported in the literature. The comparisons show that the method is a useful means of predicting transverse vibration of cracked beams. The results of the analysis show that the effect of crack location on beam vibration is rather complex. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.