Viscoelastic Boundary Damping of Beams and Plates

Abstract

A series of experiments on boundary, damped beams are described which identify separately the effectiveness of axial and transverse motions of the embedded beam ends in producing energy dissipation. A comparatively elementary level of theoretical analysis is shown to be adequate in explaining most of the experimental results. A subsequent series of experiments is then described which tests the damping effectiveness of a small inset of viscoelastic adhesive at the supports of beams and plates, the inset design being motivated by the results of the first experiments. The principal characteristics of the inset design are determined experimentally and a supporting theory (for beams and circular plates) is outlined.