Detection of Crack Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Genetic algorithm based intelligent search of crack parameters (location and its severity) in cantilever beam has been presented in the paper. Algorithm is prepared to find global minima of fitness function which is function of measured and theoretical natural frequencies. Theoretical model of cracked beam has been derived based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The crack, open and uniform depth, is modeled as rotational spring connecting two segments of an integrated beam. For validation of proposed method, the cracks are generated at various locations on specimens (made of aluminum alloys (6061-T6) using wire cut electro discharge machining process (WEDM). The results are found to be in good agreement with the actual crack parameters.