Effect of fibre orientations on damping and vibration characteristics of basalt epoxy composite laminates

Abstract

Damping and vibration characteristics of basalt epoxy fibre-reinforced composite laminated materials have been investigated with respect to the effect of fibre orientations. Four symmetric laminates having [(0/90)4]S, [(15/-75)4]S, [(30/-60)4]S and [(45/-45)4]S fibre orientation angles were prepared using plain weave basalt fabrics as reinforcement. The dynamic modal analysis was performed to determine dynamic characteristics of the composite laminates. Using half power band-width method, the damping properties were deduced from vibration response envelope curve. Loss modulus, storage modulus and damping ratio of the structures were also determined. It was observed that damping and vibration characteristics of the composite samples were strongly affected by the fibre orientation of basalt/epoxy composite. The increase in angle of fibre orientation from 0° to 45° resulted in a decrease in natural frequencies and an increase in damping ratios.