A Simple Method for Modeling Open Cracked Beam

A simple method is proposed to model the open cracked beam structures. In this method, crack is modeled as a beam element. Hence cracked beam can be assumed to be a beam with stepped cross sections, and problem of determining natural frequency and mode shape of cracked beam, can be solved as determining these characteristics for a beam with different lengths and cross sections. With this work, it is not necessary to model crack as lumped flexibility model in according to fracture mechanics and related sciences to obtain crack stiffness, and this spring model of crack can be used for further analysis.