Vibration Analysis and Optimization of Sandwiched Beam Structure Using Higher Order Variation of Core Layer Displacement

Abstract

Vibration characteristic of a sandwiched beam type structure is analyzed using the finite element method based on a higher order model for displacement field in the core layer of the structure. Results of the higher order and linear models were compared with those of experimental ones reported in literature and shown that higher order model provides more accurate results than the linear model. The parametric studies for the developed model are presented to indicate the effect of the core thickness on the loss factor and the natural frequencies, and the results are compared with those obtained for the linear model. Finally, using the higher order model, an optimization problem is formulated to find the optimal distribution and the number of partial treatments in order to achieve highest damping value in the sandwiched beam with various boundary conditions.