Damping properties of layered cylindrical shells,vibrating in axially symmetric modes

The damping of cylindrical shells coated with unconstrained layers of viscoelastic material either on one side of the shell (inside or outside) or on both sides is estimated. The basic equations of motion are derived which describe harmonic forced flexural damped vibrations in axisymmetric modes. For pure sinusoidal modes expressions for the overall loss factors are given. The damping properties of cylindrical shells of finite length, coated on the inside or outside, or on both sides (symmetrically or unsymmetrically) are compared. Classical thin shell theory is used for the analysis. It is shown how two-layered damped shells differ from two-layered damped beams. The extent of damping reduction in shells resulting from the fact that the shell cross-section is closed is discussed.