Multiscale modeling of hybrid structural composites with integrated damping features

An analytical procedure has been developed that uses the strain energy method to evaluate the specific damping capacity for all dimensional scales and classical lamination theory was extended to include the transverse shear effects. The method potentiality has been tested against experimental data from Literature. Possible configurations of hybrid laminates have been simulated where viscoelastic material is added as laminae or distributed as long fibers within the structural laminate.

The aim of this work is to propose a design approach for a multifunctional hybrid composite material that integrates high damping performances while withstanding the required structural features. Hybrid composite consists in a three phases composite where a viscoelastic material is added to the conventional structural long fibers/polymeric matrix laminate. Design addresses the problem of integrating the viscoelastic material within the laminate architecture to exploit its maximum damping efficiency. Key aspect is the definition of a viscoelastic multiscale model starting from the constituents to the lamina, and further to the hybrid laminate properbes.