An analysis of cracked beam structure using impact echo method

Defects influence in a negative way the service life of structures. Thus, detection of them even at a very small size is a very important point of view to guarantee structural safety and to safe costs. The objective of this study is to obtain information about the location and depth of cracks in cracked beams. For this purpose, the vibrations as a result of impact shocks were analyzed. The signals obtained in defect-free and cracked beams were compared in the frequency domain. The results of the study suggest to determine the location and depth of cracks by analyzing the from vibration signals. Experimental results and simulations obtained by the software ANSYS are in good agreement.