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U.S. Department of Energy
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Improvement and optimization of internal damping in fiber-reinforced composite materials. Final report, June 1983-November 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5284211

The objective of this research were to study the effects of such parameters as fiber aspect ratio, fiber orientation and fiber/matrix properties on damping in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. These objectives were to be met by using both experimental and analytical approaches. The development of improved techniques for fabrication and testing of specimens and the development of relatively simple design equations for prediction of damping were desirable goals that were also met. Two new computer-aided testing techniques based on the impulse frequency-response approach were developed. Specimens of graphite/epoxy, boron/epoxy and Kevlar aramid/epoxy were fabricated by using an autoclave-style press cure which was developed specifically for this program. Although a number of parameters were studied, the emphasis was on the influence of fiber length, fiber orientation, and fiber material on damping of polymer composites. Experimental results show that, as predicted, very low fiber aspect ratios are required to produce significant improvements in damping. Of the three fiber types tested, the Kevlar aramid fiber composite was found to have much better damping than graphite or boron fiber composites. Measurements and predictions also indicate that the control of fiber orientation in a continuous fiber reinforced laminate may be a better approach to the improvement of damping than the control of fiber aspect ratio.

Research Organization:
Idaho Univ., Moscow (USA). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
OSTI ID:
5284211
Report Number(s):
AD-A-168576/7/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English