Author(s)

E. Barkanov, A. Chate, E. Skukis, O. Täger & H. Kolsters

Abstract

Finite element and experimental vibration analyses of viscoelastic composite structures are performed. The present implementation gives the possibility to preserve the frequency dependence for the storage and loss moduli of viscoelastic materials and to use the same hypothesis - complex modulus model in the free vibration, frequency and transient response analyses. Dynamic characteristics of viscoelastic composite structures are evaluated by the energy method, the method of complex eigenvalues, from the resonant peaks of the frequency response function and using the steady state vibrations. To verify numerical results, the dynamic characteristics of different sandwich and laminated composite panels have been determined by the pulse and non-contact laser techniques. Keywords: composite structures, viscoelastic material, complex modulus model, frequency dependence, free vibration, frequency and transient responses. 1 Introduction Composites are widely used now in different structural applications requiring high stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios, and high damping properties. Among these applications considerable part is aeronautical, ship and automobile structures and their components made from sandwich and laminated composites with viscoelastic layers. In this case it is necessary to develop effective and convenient engineering tools to model and analyse the vibration behaviour of viscoelastic structures.

Keywords

composite structures, viscoelastic material, complex modulus model, frequency dependence, free vibration, frequency and transient responses.