Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials and Structures

This paper summarizes recent advances in the study of dynamic mechanical behavior of composite materials and structures. Both analytical and experimental results are reported in two major areas: noise and vibration control in composite materials and structures and the use of vibration response measurements for non-destructive determination of composite mechanical behavior. The effects of design parameters such as fiber orientation, fiber length, component thickness and choice of fiber and matrix materials on dynamic mechanical properties of composites will be reviewed, with emphasis on vibration damping characteristics. In addition, the use of vibration response parameters such as frequency, damping and mode shape to characterize composite mechanical properties during manufacturing and subsequent service will be discussed.