Free Vibration Behaviour of Laminated Composite Beam Under Crack Effects: A Combined Numerical and Experimental Approach

This paper presents a research attempt towards frequency-based crack effect study in laminated composite beams (LCBs) through combined computational and experimental work. The focused objective of the undertaken research is to quantify the crack effects on the frequency behavior of LCBs. Towards achieving the objective, carbon/epoxy LCBs are the subject materials under consideration and to achieve the natural frequencies for the LCBs under free vibration, a combination of numerical simulation and experimental tests are conducted. ABAQUS, a powerful finite element (FE) simulation software is employed to develop precise numerical models representing the LCB’s mechanical behavior and response to crack propagation. The free vibration experiments on LCB samples are conducted through a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer under controlled crack scenarios aligning with the numerical simulation model. Through the frequency analysis, critical crack depths and positions that significantly influence the dynamic impact are identified. The study also explores the correlation between the computational and experimental results, enhancing the confidence in simulation models. The results from the study can aid in the early detection of damage and the optimization of repair strategies to ensure the structural reliability and safety of LCBs or alike composite components.