International Journal of Engineering and Technology

This manuscript presents theoretical, experimental and numerical (finite element methods) analysis of fibers composite beams with transverse crack subjected to free vibration. Epoxy- glass fibers (unidirectional) composite has been taken as the material under study. Vibration parameters have been evaluated using various boundary conditions of beam. The beam subjected to different boundary conditions has a principal effect on dynamic characteristics of composite beam. The current work presents the evaluation of changes in natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes curvature for different boundary conditions by varying crack positions and crack depth. The numerical results were found in good agreement with experimental and analytical results. The study concludes that structure with crack can be diagnosed by using vibration signatures and it help to monitoring the health of beam type structures.