Effect of presence of SiC and operating frequency on the damping behaviour of pure magnesium

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of presence of SiC reinforcement and the vibration frequency on the overall damping characteristics of pure magnesium. The testing method uses a combination of the modified free - free beam method coupled with a circle fit approach. The effect of frequency on the damping property was studied by adding end masses to the specimen so as to alter the resonant frequency of the suspended beam. In the present study, the results are compared against a monolithic magnesium sample. The results revealed a higher damping capability of the composite specimen at all tested frequencies when compared to monolithic magnesium. Both monolithic and reinforced magnesium showed a progressive decrease in damping with an increase in frequency. An attempt is made to rationalise the damping behaviour of the composite in terms of the presence of a process induced plastic zone at the matrix/particulate interface and the operating frequency. © 2004 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.