(UNPUBLISHED) CLD-LPM | Constrained Layer Damping

Summary

Key principles of the concept

  • Building up structural elements by stacking thin layers of steel dramatically improves dynamic and structure performance
    • Deformation results in friction between the layers, which increases damping
    • Increased damping results in vibration suppression
    • No welding - > concept is not prone for fatigue damage
  • Vibration suppression effect can be greatly enhanced by adding a thin viscoelastic material layer between each layer of steel
    • The viscoelastic material rapidly dissipates vibration energy
  • This approach is often called “Constrained-Layer Damping
  • Thin steel layers can be easily punched or laser cut to produce complex shapes, which can then be coated with a viscoelastic layer, stacked and bound to produce elements of any thickness
    • The constrained-layer assembly process eliminates many problematic aspects of producing large structural elements incl. logistics, precision cutting and welding of thick steels
  • The constrained-layer design is most applicable in massive machine elements found in large rotating motors & generators, ships & trains, tractors, excavators, and shredders & crushers
    • In many cases, the improved dynamic performance makes it possible to also dramatically reduce mass and overall cost

Searching for partners to realize our idea:

• Demonstration providers / end-users: Industrial companies able to provide interesting applications to showcase the concept and eager to develop their products and processes • Experienced coordinator: We are looking for an organization with proven coordination skills that is well networked and would prefer to occupy a scientific lead role ourselves • Complementary research skills and infrastructure: Research partners able to provide competence in e.g. industrial design, corrosion, life-cycle analysis, end-of-life processes and facilities for experimenting with large structures   If joining an existing consortia, LUT can bring along one industrial end-user / demonstrator, along with research competences listed earlier