Effect of cracks on the natural frequency of cantilevered plates-a Rayleigh-Ritz solution

Abstract

The possibility of cracks appearing in the blades of turbo machines cannot be ruled out. The failure of this critical component may occur due to the presence of cracks. The feasibility of natural frequency being considered as a criterion for damage detection has been investigated. As a first step toward this goal, the natural frequency being considered as a criterion for damage detection has been investigated. As a first step toward this goal, the natural frequency of the cracked blade is estimated by the generalized Rayleigh-Ritz method using simplifying assumptions. The paper concludes that natural frequency does not appear to be an appropriate criterion for integrity analysis as far as the simplified model is concerned, but recommends further in-depth study using completely numerical and experimental methods before reaching a firm conclusion.