Mechanics and finite elements for the damped dynamic characteristics of curvilinear laminates and composite shell structures

Integrated mechanics and a finite element method are presented for predicting the damping of doubly curved laminates and laminated shell composite structures. Damping mechanics are formulated in curvilinear co-ordinates from ply to structural level and the structural modal loss factors are calculated using the energy dissipation method. The modelling of damping at the laminate level is based on first order shear shell theory. An eight-node shell damping finite element is developed. Comparisons of the present model with classical and discrete layer laminate damping theory predictions are shown. Modal damping and natural frequencies of composite plates and open cylindrical shells were measured and correlated with predicted results. Parametric studies illustrate the effect of curvature and lamination on modal damping and natural frequency.