Damping and vibration characteristics of basalt-aramid/epoxy hybrid composite laminates

Damping and vibration characteristics of basalt-aramid/epoxy hybrid composites with different basalt/aramid fiber mixing ratios were investigated. Unidirectional basalt and twill weave aramid fibers were used as reinforcement. Non-hybrid basalt/epoxy and aramid/epoxy composite laminates were also fabricated for comparison. Dynamic characteristics of the composite laminates were determined experimentally using dynamic modal analysis. Damping properties were calculated with the logarithmic decrement method using a vibration response envelope curve. Loss modulus, storage modulus and damping ratio of the structures were also considered. It was observed that the results of hybrid configurations showed a distribution between non-hybrid basalt/epoxy and aramid/epoxy composites. Furthermore, the employment of aramid fibers in composite laminates enhances the damping properties of laminates, but reduces the strength values.