Abstract
In this paper a new continuous model for vibration analysis of a beam with an open edge crack is presented. A quasi-linear displacement filed is suggested for the beam and the strain and stress fields are calculated. The equation of motion of the beam is calculated using the Hamilton principle. The calculated equation of motion is solved with a modified weighted residual method and the natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained. The results are compared with those obtained by finite element method and an excellent agreement has been observed. The presented model is a simple and accurate method for analysis of the cracked beam behavior near or far from the crack tip.