Damping of multi-layer composites

We recently published two papers that present an optimization method to design multi-layer composites with damping properties. The method consists in adding elastomeric layers in the composite. In this way, a multi-criteria optimization tool has been developed to determine the best geometrical and material properties of the composite: position of the elastomeric layers, layers thickness, ...

The first paper presents the general method and focuses on simple problems: Simultaneous geometrical and material optimal design of hybrid elastomer/composite sandwich plates

The second one proposes new damping solutions that consist in designing damping layers as periodic layers of elastomeric patches. The geometrical characteristics of these layers are optimized with the abovementioned tool: On the use of discontinuous elastomer patches to optimize the damping properties of composite sandwich plates