A Study on Gradient Polymer Materials Used as Damping Coatings: Focus on Free Damping Coatings

Abstract

This paper discusses the damping capabilities of polymer materials with mechanical characteristics which vary through the thickness. The case studied is that of a beam coated with a single layer of this material, which can be classified as a free layer damping coating. A simple mechanical model of the system is proposed, together with a suitable modelling of the gradient material. Simulation results based on realistic cases are presented for different types of distribution through the thickness and their damping performance is assessed.