Multilayered Semi-Elliptical Arch Structures: A Damping Analysis

Abstract

Arch structures are used in various load-bearing applications in up-to-date engineering. In some cases these structures are made of multilayered materials with elastic-plastic behaviour. In many applications, the arch structures are subjected to cyclic external loading. This circumstance necessitates developing analyses of damping energy. Such analyses can be very useful for evaluating the effects of a variety of factors and parameters on the damping energy. The present paper is concerned with analyzing of damping energy in a semi-elliptical multilayered arch structure under cyclic bending. The left foot of the arch is clamped. Besides, the arch right foot is restrained by a rotational spring. An approach for determining of the changes in curvature and the coordinates of neutral axis in the portions of the arch is developed. Then damping energy in the arch is derived by integrating the damping energy density in the layers and summation for the arch portions. A parametric investigation of effects of the strength of the rotational spring, ratio of the ellipse semi axes and loading on damping energy is carried-out.