Damping Analysis of a New Sandwich Structure.

The aim of the paper is to determine the most important features of damping in the case of an advanced sandwich composite structure starting from the dampings, dynamic Young moduli and Poisson ratio for every lamina. The structure features two carbon/epoxy skins reinforced with twill weave fabric and an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core. At the damping analysis of fibre reinforced composite materials, a so called concept of complex moduli will be used in which the elastic constants will be replaced through their viscoelastic correspondences. The mechanical modeling is based on the correspondence principle of linear viscoelastic theory. Testing scheme allows specimens to be put in one side fixed connection and subjected at bending oscillations in normal conditions: 23°C, 50% relative air humidity. Dampings, rigidities and compliances of the composite structure are computed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]