Optimal Constrained Layer Damping of Beams: Experimental and Numerical Studies

Abstract

This article deals with the optimal damping of beams constrained by viscoelastic layers when only one or several portions of the beam are covered. The design variables are the dimensions and locations of the viscoelastic layers and the objective function is the maximum damping factor. The discrete design variable optimization problem is solved using a genetic algorithm. Numerical results for minimum and maximum damping are compared to experimental results. This is done for a various number of materials and beams.