Dynamic Response of Structural Panels with Polyurethane Foam Layers

This paper investigates the dynamic response characteristics of multilayer panels containing polyurethane foam layers.

Results of driving point impedance tests on multilayer beam and circular plate structures in the frequency range 200hz - 3khz are compared with corresponding results obtained using commercial damping coatings. It is shown that configurations consisting of metal and solid polymer facings with foam cores exhibit highly attenuated response at selected frequencies.

The hypothesis that the layered foam configuration acts as a dynamic vibration absorber is confirmed using a mathematical model of a sandwich beam which permits transverse deformation of the core.