The Damping of Structural Vibration by Controlled Interfacial Slip in Joints

Abstract

The most significant source of damping inherent in a structure is that damping which occurs in the structural joints due to interfacial slip. Thus, particular emphasis should be put on controlling and increasing the damping which occurs in these joints if the dynamic response, stress, and noise of a structure are to be reduced. It is shown that an optimum joint clamping force exists for maximum energy dissipation due to slip, and that the resonance frequencies of structures can be controlled to some extent by adjusting the clamping and, hence, the slip, in joints. The application of joint damping to beam-like structures, plates, and frameworks is considered, and its effect on the vibration of these structures discussed.