A new plate finite element model for rotating plate structures with constrained damping layer

Constrained layer damping (CLD) is an effective approach to suppress vibrations. While most of the studies are concentrated on the rotating beams with constrained damping layer, it will be more significant to investigate rotating plate structures for practical applications. In this research, a new plate finite element model is developed for a rotating plate based on an extension of the previous finite element for CLD in beam-like structures. In the new plate finite element, both shear and extension strains are considered in all of the three layers in the CLD rotating plate. Meanwhile, the stiffening effect due to the rotation is included in the model. The numerical results show that this new finite element model is able to accurately predict dynamic characteristics of the rotating plate. Parametric studies also show that frequency and damping ratio of all modes are influenced by both core layer and constraining layer thickness, while the torsion modes are dependent on an aspect ratio, wider plate leads to lower frequency of the torsion modes. The plate parameters also have an impact on the frequency response function (FRF) results, albeit, not significant. The finite element model developed in this study can be used for the vibration suppression design of rotating plates.