Transient analysis for damping identification in rotating composite beams with integral damping layers

The first objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of damping identification algorithms. The second objective is to determine the feasibility of damping augmentation in rotating composite beams via passive constrained layer damping (PCLD). Damping identification schemes were applied to four rectangular cross-section laminated composite beams with cocured integral damping layers over the span of the beam. The cocured beam consisted of a twenty-ply balanced and symmetric cross-ply Gr/Ep composite host structure, a top and bottom damping layer of viscoelastic material (VEM), and a 2-ply Gr/Ep constraining layer sandwiching the viscoelastic material to the host structure. Four VEM thicknesses were considered: 0, 5, 10, and 15 mils. The cantilevered beams were tested at rotational speeds ranging from 0 to 900 RPM in a vacuum chamber. Excitation in bending was provided using piezo actuators, and the bending response was measured using full strain gauge bridges. Transient data were analysed using logarithmic decrement, a Hilbert transform technique, and an FFT- based moving block analysis. When compared to the beam with no VEM, a 19.2% volume fraction (15 mil layer) of viscoelastic in the beam produced a 400% increase in damping ratio in the non-rotating case, while at 900 RPM, the damping ratio increased only 360%. Overall structural damping was reduced as a function of RPM, due to centrifugal stiffening.