A wave and finite element approach for computing the optimal damping layer characteristics for composite structures

The optimal mechanical and geometric characteristics for layered composite structures having damping layer inclusions and subject to vibroacoustic excitations are derived. A finite element description coupled to periodic structure theory is employed for the considered layered damped panel. Structures of arbitrary anisotropy as well as geometric complexity can be modeled by the exhibited approach. A numerical continuum-discrete approach for computing the sensitivity of the acoustic wave characteristics propagating within the modeled periodic composite structure is exhibited. The sensitivity of the acoustic transmission coefficient expressed within a statistical energy analysis context is subsequently derived as a function of the computed acoustic wave characteristics. The optimal mechanical and geometric characteristics satisfying the considered mass, stiffness and vibroacoustic performance criteria are sought by employing Newton's optimization method.