Damping Capacity of Layered and Jointed Copper Structures

Abstract

This paper considers the mechanism of damping and its theoretical evaluation for layered copper cantilever structures jointed with a number of equispaced connecting bolts under an equal tightening torque. Extensive experiments have been conducted on a number of specimens for comparison with numerical results from the theory. Intensity of interface pressure, its distribution characteristics, dynamic slip ratio and kinematic coefficient of friction at the interfaces, relative spacing of the connecting bolts, and frequency and amplitude of excitation are all found to have an effect on the damping capacity of such structures. It is established that the damping capacity of copper structures jointed with connecting bolts can be improved considerably by increasing the number of layers while maintaining uniform intensity of pressure distribution at the interfaces.