Modeling and topology optimization of cylindrical shells with partial CLD treatment

This paper presents a unified modeling approach for cylindrical shells with partial constrained layer damping (CLD) treatment under general boundary conditions, followed by topology optimization studies of the CLD layout to realize desired damping performance. Initially, the equations of motion for cylindrical shells are formulated using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. Donnell’s shell theory is used to calculate the elastic strain energy of shells. Artificial springs are applied to represent general boundary conditions. Then, the evolutionary structural optimization method is employed to achieve optimal distribution of CLD. The proposed model is validated by comparing present results with those from literature and finite element simulations . With the validated modeling approach, the vibration characteristics of cylindrical shells with partial CLD treatment are studied. And the effectiveness of proposed topology optimization method is investigated comprehensively regarding different thickness ratios of constraining layer to viscoelastic layer under various boundary conditions. • A unified model for cylindrical shells with partial CLD treatment is proposed. • An integrated topology optimization approach of the CLD layout is formulated. • Optimized loss factor can be higher than that of full CLD coverage in some cases. • Optimization results are more sensitive to boundary spring stiffnesses k v and k w .