Forced Vibration Analysis of Cracked Functionally Graded Beams

This study investigates the forced vibration characteristics of a functionally graded material (FGM) beam possessing a square cross-section and featuring a V-shaped crack. The FGM beam exhibits a gradual transition in mechanical composition from a ceramic to a metallic surface. Employing finite element analysis software, a comprehensive numerical analysis is conducted to evaluate the frequencies and mode shapes of the cracked FGM beam under simply supported boundary conditions. The study meticulously explores the effects of various crack parameters, including crack opening width, depth, and location. The findings highlight the significant influence of the crack opening width on the frequencies, indicating that wider cracks result in decreased frequencies across all mode shapes. Conversely, the impact of crack depth and location on the dynamic behavior of the cracked FGM beam within the studied ranges appears relatively minor. These insights offer valuable perspectives into the vibrational characteristics of cracked FGM beams, which can contribute to structural health monitoring and allow optimizing their design. In automotive applications, these insights aid in the development of more resilient vehicle components and improving the overall durability and reliability of automotive structures.