Dynamic stability enhancement of laminated composite sandwich plates using smart elastomer layer

Abstract

The dynamic stability of composite sandwich plates with a smart elastomer layer subjected to an axial periodic load is investigated. A finite element model of the composite sandwich plate with Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) core is developed. A MRE layer, which its mechanical properties change with the applied magnetic field, is used as a damping layer to improve the stability of the structure. Due to the intrinsic characteristics of the MREs, these materials commonly operate in their pre-yield region. In this region, complex shear modulus is used for these materials. The effect of different parameters such as stacking sequences, boundary conditions, geometry of the sandwich plate, thickness and partial activation of the MRE layer on the damping treatment and stability boundaries is investigated. The presented results show that the application of an MRE layer as a core in the composite sandwich plate changes the stability region of the structure. Therefore, the instability boundaries can be manipulated to achieve the desired dynamic response of the structure.