Analysis of natural frequencies of delaminated composite beams based on finite element method

This paper presents a model of a layered, delaminated composite beam. The beam is modelled by beam finite elements, and the delamination is modelled by additional boundary conditions. In the present study, the laminated beam contains only one delaminated region through the thickness direction which extends to the full width of the beam. It is also assumed that the delamination is open. The influence of the delamination length and position upon changes in the bending natural frequencies of the composite laminated cantilever beam is investigated.