Optimum thickness distribution of unconstrained viscoelastic damping layer treatments for plates

This paper concerns the optimum thickness distribution of unconstrained viscoelastic damping layer treatments for plates. The system loss factor is expressed in terms of the mechanical properties of the plate and damping layer and the layer/plate thickness ratio. Optimum distributions of the thickness ratio that maximize the system loss factor are obtained through sequential unconstrained minimization techniques. Results are presented for both simply-supported and edge-fixed rectangular plates with aspect ratios of 1·0 to 4·0. These results indicate that the system loss factor can be increased by as much as 100%, or more, by optimizing the thickness distribution of the damping treatment. Also revealed are the regions of the plate where added damping treatments are most effective.