Damping and Stiffness Analysis of Sandwich Beam with 3D-Printed Honeycomb Core Filled with Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE): An Experimental Approach

Abstract

The current study focuses on the production and experimental examination of sandwich beams consisting of an aluminum face sheet and 3D-printed honeycomb cores that are filled with magnetorheological elastomer (MRE). These cores are loaded with different ratios of (75/25)% and (50/50)% elastomer and magnetic particles, measured by weight. In order to ascertain the dynamic characteristics of sandwich beams, the constructed specimens were subjected to classic shock (free vibration) experiments, and these experiments were conducted under two conditions: with and without the application of a changing magnetic field at the free end and center of the beam. The results of the experiments suggest that the attenuation of the damping ratio exhibited satisfactory performance, particularly with respect to the structures that were being examined. The sandwich beam constructions proposed exhibited the ability to alter the damping ratio, damping coefficient, and stiffness through the application of a magnetic field. Nevertheless, an escalation in the applied magnetic field resulted in a reduction in stiffness values, while the values of the damping ratio and damping coefficient increased. Furthermore, significant variations in damping were observed when the magnets were located in the central regions of the structures.