It is mainly the matrix in composite structures that exhibits fuzzy randomness of the
material parameters. When extending the work on two-layer and symmetric,
three-layer viscoelastic beam, plate, and shell structures based on the definition of
an equivalent effective homogeneous model, to include either fuzzy pure
elastic interface slip or fuzzy core stiffness, by means of modal analysis we
succeed in working out the effects on the dynamic properties of these fuzzy
structures. Modal coupling by the light damping forces is neglected. Fully
analyzed within the scope of this paper is a simply supported sandwich beam
with fuzzy elastic core material parameters. The analysis of this illustrative
example is based on the interval representation (that is, on the set of
-cuts)
with a triangular membership function of the core shear stiffness prescribed.
Membership functions of the undamped natural frequencies are defined using fuzzy
set theory, however, avoiding artificial uncertainties. Under time-harmonic excitation,
the dynamic magnification factors and, with light and deterministic modal
structural damping taken into account, the fuzzy phase angles of the steady
modal response are evaluated. Where appropriate, envelope functions are
defined.
Dedicated to the memory of the late
Marie-Louise and in the honor of Professor Charles R.
Steele