The effect of hybridization and boundary conditions on damping and free vibration of composite plates

In this study, the influence of hybridization on natural frequency and damping properties of laminated composite plates consisting of various combinations of fibers and boundary conditions are examined. Carbon (C), Kevlar (R) (K), and S-glass fibers are used as reinforcement with epoxy resin for hybridization. Experiments are conducted on hybrid composites under the combinations of clamped, free, and simply supported boundary conditions. Natural frequency analyses of hybrid composites are performed using finite element analysis software ANSYS. Vibration test results obtained from experimental and numerical studies are compared with each other. Results show that hybridizations with three different fibers and their substitutions in the layers have strongly effected the damping and vibration characteristics of composite plates.