CFRP Retrofitting for Enhancing Damping in Cushion Mounts for Marine Applications

Reducing vibration transmission and dynamic response is critical for data processing devices, precision instruments, and machinery in environments with frequent shocks, such as naval applications. These devices are often mounted to ships with cushion mounts. This study presents a cost-effective and rapid method for retrofitting mounts with carbon fiber reinforced polymers; the method greatly improved damping and effectively reduced vibration transmission. Specimens were produced and subjected to experimental modal analysis, and finite element models were developed for comparison. The frequency response functions and modes of the structural components from both methods were compared to assess the improvement in the damping ratio of the structure