Cad 2
Cad 2
Cad 2
SUBMITTED To:
Dr. Ahmad Naveed
SUBMITTED By:
Muhammad Zeeshan
REG. NO:
2021-ME-18
1|Page
Table of Contents
1 Abstract....................................................................................................................................2
2 Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
2.1 Natural Frequency of Beams.............................................................................................3
2.1.1 Importance of Natural frequencies of beams.............................................................3
3 Analytical Investigation...........................................................................................................4
3.1 Model Geometry...............................................................................................................4
4 Results and Discussion............................................................................................................4
1 Abstract
Structures exhibiting cracks are susceptible to failure, contingent upon the failure mechanism
induced by resonance-induced vibration. Resonance arises when periodic forces align with a
2|Page
structure's natural frequency. Hence, determining the natural frequency is crucial for assessing
resonance under periodic loading conditions. In this investigation, we focus on a mild steel
cantilever beam measuring 3 meters in length, 0.25 meters in width, and 0.20 meters in depth.
Modal analysis is employed to examine the natural frequency, mode shapes, and deflection
pertaining to the first three modes of transverse vibration in a cracked cantilever beam scenario.
The modal analysis of the cantilever beam involves introducing cracks at distances of 0.5 meters,
1 meter, 1.5 meters, 2 meters, and 2.5 meters from the fixed end, along the top, middle, and
bottom faces of the beam. Across all models, the crack dimensions are maintained at a width of
0.08 meters and a depth of 0.1 meters. To enhance accuracy, hexahedral meshing is applied to
the cracked beams, facilitating Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations conducted using
SOLIDWORKS software. It is observed that the natural frequency of cracked beams decreases
when cracks are positioned on the top and bottom surfaces, whereas cracks on the middle surface
do not alter the natural frequency significantly. Furthermore, the impact of cracks varies across
different modes of vibration. These findings enable the detection of potential failure in cracked
beams, enabling preemptive measures to be taken to mitigate the risk of cantilever beam
fractures.
2 Introduction
The study of structural dynamics, particularly concerning the behavior of beams under varying
conditions, holds paramount importance in engineering applications. Understanding the natural
frequencies and mode shapes of beams is crucial for designing reliable and efficient structures,
as well as for predicting their response to external forces and disturbances. This report delves
into the dynamic analysis of a cantilever beam with triangular-shaped cracks along its top,
middle, and bottom edges, aiming to investigate the influence of such defects on its vibrational
characteristics.
2.1 Natural Frequency of Beams
The natural frequency of a beam refers to the frequency at which it vibrates when subjected to an
external force, without any additional forcing inputs. It is a fundamental property of the beam's
dynamic behavior, determined by its geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions.
The natural frequency is typically characterized by mode shapes, which depict the spatial
distribution of vibrational motion within the beam.
2.1.1 Importance of Natural frequencies of beams
1. Structural Integrity Assessment:
Natural frequencies provide insights into the structural integrity of beams. Changes in
natural frequencies can indicate the presence of defects, damage, or changes in material
properties, allowing for early detection of potential structural failures.
2. Resonance Avoidance:
Knowledge of natural frequencies helps in designing structures to avoid resonance
conditions. Resonance, occurring when the excitation frequency matches a natural
frequency of the system, can lead to excessive vibrations, fatigue, and structural damage.
By designing structures with natural frequencies well separated from expected excitation
frequencies, resonance-related issues can be mitigated.
3. Performance Optimization:
3|Page
Engineers can optimize the performance of structures by adjusting their geometry,
material properties, or boundary conditions to achieve desired natural frequencies. This
optimization process aids in enhancing structural efficiency, reducing weight, and
minimizing the risk of failure under dynamic loading conditions.
3 Analytical Investigation
3.1 Model Geometry
The modal analysis conducted in SolidWorks investigated the dynamic response of a cantilever
beam with triangular-shaped cracks positioned at the top, middle, and bottom edges. The beam,
with dimensions of 3 m in length (L), 0.25 m in width (w), and 0.2 m in thickness (t), possessed
a cross-sectional area (A) of 0.05 m². Three distinct cases were examined, each featuring cracks
located at specific intervals along the beam's length—0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, and 2.5 m from the
fixed end. The cracks maintained a constant depth and width of 0.1 m and 0.08 m. By analyzing
these configurations, the study aimed to discern the influence of triangular-shaped cracks on the
dynamic behavior of the cantilever beam, providing valuable insights into the structural response
to such defects.
4|Page
Figure 2 Mode 2 Uncracked Beam
Then, we applied the same method for cracks located at specific intervals along the beam's length
—0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, and 2.5 m from the fixed end that was top edge, middle edge and
bottom edge. The cracks maintained a constant depth and width of 0.1 m and 0.08 m. The
following table analyzes the results:
5|Page
Table 1 Frequency at different crack locations for mode 1,2,3
From this table we obtain different graph on the basis of these frequencies at specified crack
locations.
80 mm Depth
Frequency at mode 1
22
21
Frequency (Hz)
20 Top edge
19 Middle edge
Bottom edge
18
17
16
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Crack location from fixed end (m)
6|Page
Frequency at mode 2
21
20.7
Frequency (Hz)
Top edge
20.4
Middle edge
20.1 Bottom edge
19.8
19.5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Crack location from fixed end (m)
Frequency at mode 3
135
130
Frequency (Hz)
110
105
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Crack location from fixed end (m)
100 mm Depth
Frequency at mode 1
25
Frequency (Hz)
24
Top edge
23 Middle edge
Bottom edge
22
21
20
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Crack location from fixed end (m)
7|Page
Frequency at mode 2
23.6
Frequency (Hz)
23.3
23 Top edge
22.7 Middle edge
Bottom edge
22.4
22.1
21.8
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Crack location from fixed end (m)
5 Conclusion
In conclusion, this study investigated the dynamic behavior of a cantilever beam with triangular-
shaped cracks along its top, middle, and bottom edges. The analysis revealed significant
variations in natural frequencies at different crack locations and depths. Cracks positioned on the
top and bottom surfaces notably affected the beam's natural frequencies, while those on the
middle surface showed minimal impact. These findings underscore the importance of
understanding the influence of cracks on structural dynamics, enabling engineers to detect
potential failures early and implement appropriate measures to enhance structural integrity.
8|Page