A numerical-experimental dynamic analysis of composite sandwich beam with magnetorheological elastomer honeycomb core

In this study, sandwich panels with carbon/epoxy composite skins and an magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) honeycomb core in different proportions of magneto/elastomer (w/w%) are manufactured and studied numerically and experimentally. Test specimens in the beam form are subjected to free and forced vibrations and evaluated with and without the presence of an external (until 120 kA/m) magnetic field, positioned on the free end and on the center of the beam. The experimental results showed good performance in the attenuation of vibration level, especially on the fundamental vibration mode of the structures in question. The applied magnetic field on the free end of the test panel was capable of reducing until 37.45% their first natural frequency value. It can be noted from numerical and experimental results that sandwich panel with MRE honeycomb shifted the natural frequencies due to the increase of an induced magnetic field, especially for the first mode shape.