Damping analysis of orthotropic composite materials and laminates

The paper presents an analysis of the damping of unidirectional fibre composites, orthotropic composites and laminates. Damping parameters are investigated using beam test specimens and an impulse technique. Damping modelling is developed using a finite element analysis which evaluated the different energies dissipated in the material directions of the layers. The results obtained show that this analysis describes fairly well the experimental results. The finite element analysis can be applied to complex shape structures.