Damping of elastic-viscoelastic beams

The subject of this investigation is the dynamic behavior of a composite beam consisting of a main elastic core and two viscoelastic layers. The viscoelastic layers provide increased damping of vibrations. When the beam vibrates, damping is caused by energy dissipation in the viscoelastic layers due to their shear deformations. Thus, the goal of this investigation is the development of a method to assess the dynamic characteristics, including the effectiveness of damping, in the layered elastic-viscoelastic beam. Analysis of the resulting sixth-order partial differential equation along with the appropriate boundary conditions is the key to the dynamic characterization of the beam. The developed method will allow the design of beams with predictable dynamic characteristics. In addition, the methodology and analysis will provide insights to the effectiveness of surface damping treatments in general