Experimental Studies on the Vibration Control of Epoxy Clay Nanocomposites

Abstract

Fabrication of nanocomposites for different-clay (alumino-silicate) concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 10 wt%) with the matrix (epoxy) is done by using shear mixer. This paper presents the experimental study of free vibration and damping characteristics. The work also involves vibration control of nanocomposite laminates by reinforcing organically modified montmorillonite clay in the epoxy matrix by resin casting technique. Theoretical study is also carried out to study the vibration and damping characteristics of epoxy clay nanocomposites. Dynamic result shows that the second phase nanoscale dispersion in the matrix significantly enhances the internal damping of nanocomposites. This work also presents the active vibration control of nanocomposite beams. Piezoelectric patches are bonded on the surface of beam and control algorithms are applied to the system. Feed forward (open loop) control algorithms are used to control the vibration. Maximum control is obtained for sample with 3 wt.%OC.