Finite Element Analysis of Double Cracked Beam and its Experimental Validation

The objective of this paper is to estimate the effects of crack depth on natural frequency and mode shape of beam; Cantilever and fixed- fixed beam are engaged for analysis. The presence of cracks a severe threat to the performance of structures and it affects the vibration signatures (Natural frequencies and mode shapes).Here two transverse cracks are deemed on the beam at 200 mm and 600 mm from fixed end of the beam, the depth of cracks are varied from 0.5 mm to 3 mm at the interval of 0.5 mm. Modeling and Numerical simulation is established using commercially available finite element analysis software package ANSYS. Based on convergence study a higher order 3- D, 10-node element having three degrees of freedom at each node, SOLID 187 element is used in analysis. Natural frequency increases and Mode shape decreases as the crack depth increases. Experiment are also conducted, results of experiment having good co-relation with results of finite element analysis.