Analysis of vibration damping in a rotating composite beam with embedded carbon nanotubes

This study presents a numerical model describing the vibration damping effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT's) embedded in the matrix of fiber-reinforced composite materials used in rotating structures. The energy dissipation from the incorporation of CNT's into the composite matrix is modeled with a stick-slip damping term to describe the interaction between the CNT's and surrounding matrix as the material deforms. A numerical model is developed using the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation in a rotating frame of reference and solved in a non-dimensional form using the finite element method. A parametric study is performed to examine the effects of various beam geometries, angular speed profiles, and CNT damping values on the vibration settling times of the numerically simulated beams. The results are illustrated in a dimensionless design space to demonstrate the use of CNT's for improving the vibration damping characteristics of a rotating composite beam. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.