Dynamic Analysis of Elastically Supported Cracked Beam Subjected to a Concentrated Moving Load

Abstract

This study deals with the dynamic behavior of a cracked beam subjected to a concentrated force traveling at a constant velocity. Dynamic analyses for a hinged-hinged cracked beam resting on elastic supports under the action of a moving load are carried out by the finite element method. For the beam having rectangular cross-section, element formulation for crack element is developed by using the principles of fracture mechanics. In the numerical analysis, Newmark integration method is employed in order to calculate the dynamic response of the beam. The effects of crack depth, crack location, elastic support and load velocity on the dynamic displacements calculated for different locations on the beam are investigated. The results related to the dynamic response of the beam are presented in 3D graphs.

Keywords:
Cracked beam; Finite element analysis; Newmark integration; Moving load; Elastic support