Numerical and experimental study of layered beams with vibration-damping coatings for improved vibration mitigation

Abstract

Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) treatments using viscoelastic materials (VEM) are commonly employed to control vibration in automotive and aerospace applications. Special damped laminates and sandwich structures, along with vibration-damping compound sprays, provide effective solutions for mitigating unwanted vibrations and noise. The challenge in composite design lies in minimizing the added weight and material costs while achieving the desired damping performance. In this study, a vibration-damping compound is introduced as a structural solution for vibration reduction. This compound can be easily applied by spraying onto surfaces that further absorb/dissipate vibration and reduce the resonance effects. The proposed composite material comprises a VEM core sandwiched between aluminum face layers, coated with a high-damping compound spray. This innovative design establishes a new standard for low-weight, cost-effective, high-performance sound-damping materials. By replacing traditional materials such as rubbers and foams, the composite significantly reduces weight and cost while maintaining superior damping performance. The dynamic finite element (FE) analysis of the damping treatment arrangement demonstrates an enhancement in damping characteristics. Experimental modal analysis is done to measure the damping performance and natural frequencies for various coating thicknesses. The results show a significant improvement in damping, offering a promising solution for vibration control in structural applications, particularly for industries requiring lightweight, cost-effective materials without compromising performance.