Effect of constrained layers on vibrational characteristics of a composite sandwich system—A finite element based critical investigation

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of various constrained layers (viscoelastic layer (VEL), electro-rheological fluid (ERF), and magneto-rheological fluid (MRF)) over natural fre- quency and the damping loss factor with two different fiber orientations (0 and 90) for a Graphite/Epoxy (GR/E) composite sandwich shaft disc system. The finite element technique is used to investigate the natural frequency and loss factor for various combina- tions. Furthermore, the vibrational characteristics of the composite sandwich shaft disc system are compared with those of the base structure without constrained layers. The study shows that introducing various constrained layers reduces the magnitude of natural frequency by up to 80%. The results also show that GR/ E composite with 90 fiber orientation acquires the highest frequency reduction. Among the proposed layers, VEL has the highest damping loss factor.