Non-linear vibrations of three-layer beams with viscoelastic cores, II: Experiment

Abstract

Experimental results are presented for large amplitude, forced motion of damped, three-layer beams. The beams are constructed with a viscoelastic material constrained between stiff, elastic, outer layers. The sandwich beam is axially restrained; therefore large amplitude displacements cause non-linear response. When the beam is forced at one-half of the lateral vibration resonant frequency, superharmonic response occurs. The experiment is briefly described and frequency response characteristics, spatial shapes and a measure of superharmonic response are presented. The results are compared with predictions from a previously developed theory.