A discrete layer beam finite element for the dynamic analysis of composite sandwich beams with integral damping layers

Abstract A discrete layer finite element is presented for the dynamic analysis of laminated beams. The element uses C 0 continuous linear and quadratic polynominals to interpolate the in-plane and transverse displacement field, respectively, and is free from the effects of shear locking. Modal frequencies and damping are estimated using both the modal strain energy method and the complex modulus method. A forced response version of the model is also presented. The model predictions are compared with experimental data for composite sandwich beams with integral damping layers. Four damping configurations are considered, a constrained layer treatment, a segmented constrained layer treatment and two internal treatments.