A concerted experimental and numerical approach for frequency based non-destructive analysis of Bi-directional cracked laminated composite beams

The effects of single and multiple transverse open cracks on the dynamic properties of woven fibre laminated composite beam (LCB) under free vibration by experimental and numerical approaches are explored in this research work. The experimental modal testing is performed n laminated glass/epoxy composite beams using vibration Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) analyser system. The finite element simulation software ABAQUS is used as the platform for numerical modal analysis to arrive at the natural frequencies. Within the test domain of modal analysis, the simulated results are finely agreed with the empirical test results. The effects of crack location, relative crack depth, boundary conditions and fibre orientations on the modal frequency of the cracked LCB are explored under free vibration. The results of the study conclude that the maximum decrease in frequencies is observed for 0° ply oriented single and multi-cracked LCB. Furthermore, the results elicit that the presence of crack positioned nearer to the restrained end exhibits more reduction in vibration frequencies for any particular crack depth. Within the frequency domain, the present research approach can be employed as an effective tool for the detection and analysis of crack or crack-like defects in LCB structures in any applied field of engineering.