Dynamic stability of cracked rotating beams of general orthotropy

A finite element model is applied to study the dynamic stability aspects of a cracked rotating beam of general orthotropy. In this discrete model, both the transverse shear deformation effect and the rotary inertia effect are considered. The numerical results indicate that the crack would diminish the static buckling loads of the beam. It also leads to increased sensitivity, under axial periodic loading. The extent of the influence of the static buckling loads of the beam depends upon the crack position and size. It is a fact that the influence of the axial periodic excitation on the sensitivity is the same. It is also shown that the fiber orientations have a significant effect on the dynamic stability of an orthotropic beam under axial periodic loading.