Finite Element Dynamic Analysis of Laminated Viscoelastic Structures

Abstract

This work is concerned with the dynamic behavior of laminated beam, plate and shell structures consisting of a viscoelastic damping layer constrained between two structural layers. Finite element models for modal, harmonic and transient analyses are developed. The dynamic interlaminar shear stresses are determined and presented under harmonic and transient loads. The effect of the damping ratio of the viscoelastic material is investigated. It is found that the viscoelastic material damping reduces the interlaminar stresses. The results also show the dependency of the viscoelastic material on frequency, hence, the effect of the viscoelastic material appears significantly under harmonic loading. In transient analysis, the importance of the viscoelastic material is observed in absorbing the impact and returning the structure to its original configuration.

Experimental damping ratio evaluation using Hilbert transform in filament-wound composite plates

“…In cases where dynamical loadings are present, damping ratio measurements become essential for the safety of structures. Damping may be originated from many factors such as interlayer friction, fiber orientation, ply sequence, viscoelastic damage and thermoelastic damping 1 or even surrounding air. Moreover, the individual damping of each of the composite constituents (reinforcement and matrix) results in a compound effect each part contributing.…”