Detecting width-wise partial delamination in the composite beam using generalized fractal dimension

Generalized fractal dimension is used to detect the presence of partial delamination in a composite laminated beam. The effect of boundary conditions and location of delamination on the fractal dimension curve is studied. Appropriability of higher mode shape data for detection of delamination in the beam is evaluated. It is shown that fractal dimension measure can be used to detect the presence of partial delamination in composite beams. It is found that the torsional mode shape is well suited for delamination detection in beams. First natural frequency of delaminated beam is found to be higher than the healthy beam for certain small and partial width delaminations and some boundary conditions. An explanation towards this counter intuitive phenomenon is provided.