Analysis and simulation of structures with local visco-elastic damping from elastomers

Abstract

In the design of lightweight structures, the construction of damping still is an unused design freedom. While material inherent damping of aluminum or composite materials is generally low, the internal damping of elastomers is significant. The basic concept of including local elastomer dampers into aluminum or composite components of aeronautic structures is addressed with the objective to increase the damping of specific vibration modes. The modelling from 1D rheological models of visco-elastic material up to 2D and 3D modelling using finite elements is addressed. Using the finite element method, a global damping matrix can be generated which enables forecasts of modal damping levels. A parameter study on a simple dynamic oscillator has been performed to better understand the influence of the parameters of visco-elastic material models. The experience gained on simple oscillators has been transferred towards damping design of a simple aluminum structure subjected to forced harmonic vibrations.