N093-202 TITLE: Innovative Damping Technologies

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: VIRGINIA Class, NAVSEA PMS450. ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to identify and demonstrate marine composite structural configurations that provide the best balance between weight, structural performance and noise and vibration control.

DESCRIPTION: Many structures are subjected to high levels of vibratory energy as a result of being in the transmission path via direct contact or due to acoustic excitation from air-borne noise sources or rotating machinery. Vibration amplitudes of laminated composite panels subjected to random and sinusoidal excitations can be shown to be functions of the mass, damping, frequency and stiffness of the structure. For a laminated composite structure, each of these properties can be determined from constituent material properties and a definition of the material architecture. Hence, it is theoretically possible to tailor the properties of a composite structure to minimize direct and acoustically induced vibration levels. Innovative approaches for reducing noise induced vibrations, with minimal cost and weight impact are desired.

PHASE I: Conduct the R&D required to physically understand the individual and coupled dynamic response of the family of composites deemed relevant to the navy environment. Develop concepts for highly damped materials and demonstrate the feasibility of the concept with respect to its use in the marine composite environment via analyses and/or tests. In addition to structural performance, address its manufacturability, and durability aspects in the Phase I option.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate the performance capabilities of the concept at the component level (i.e. a sandwich or stiffened panel or other structurally relevant configuration) Demonstrate examples of manufacturability and durability of the system through testing.

PHASE III: Insert the product into a candidate marine application and test as part of other technology demonstrator activities.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The damping technology could be applied to any sea, land or air vehicle where load induced excessive vibrations can initiate premature failures or introduce passenger discomfort.

REFERENCES:
1. Unger, E. E., "Damping of Panels", Noise and Vibration Control, Ch 14, McGraw-Hill, 1971, pp. 434-475.

2. Nashif, Joes and Henderson, "Surface Damping Treatment", Vibration Damping, Wiley & Sons, 1985, pp. 258-362

KEYWORDS: Composites, GRP, advanced fibers, damping, loss factor, constrained layer

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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