Study of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of composite sandwich structures by means of a novel test setup

In this paper an experimental-numerical approach is presented to tackle the vibro-acoustic characterization of composite sandwich structures. A novel experimental setup allows for fast and comprehensive understanding of the NVH behaviour of composite sandwich panels. This information can then be further exploited in numerical model updating and design tools for optimized solutions. Experimental modal analysis and acoustic insertion loss tests are carried out in order to verify the structural and acoustic numerical models of a given sandwich panel. The symmetric motion coincidence frequency is used to retrieve the compression modulus of the core foam material. Later on a second design, derived from the first, is considered. The predicted improvements in NVH behaviour are experimentally verified with good accuracy. The vibro-acoustic test rig is shown to be a valuable support for the design of composite structures when NVH performance is a key indicator attribute.