The vibration response of composite sandwich beam with delamination

Abstract

The aim of this study is to report the effect of delamination on the vibration characteristics of composite sandwich beams. The natural frequencies and corresponding vibration modes of a free-free sandwich beam with delamination of various sizes and locations are predicted using a two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). The presence of delamination affects the stiffness of the delaminated beam and results in differences on the natural frequencies of the beam. Assessment of the differences light the way for the existence, size and location of the delaminated region and can be used for a non-destructive evaluation of the damage characteristics of the delaminated beams. Vibration tests are conducted on fully bonded sandwich beams with carbon/epoxy laminated composite faces and foam core to verify the finite element results. Agreement between predictions of the model and experimental observations is good.