ON THE ROLE OF RAYLEIGH DAMPING

The computation of the Rayleigh damping coefficients alpha and beta is an important consideration in the area of the modal superposition tec hnique. In this paper, an experimental investigation carried out on sq uare and rectangular plates with various boundary conditions to determ ine the damping ratios for a few modes of vibration is reported. Based on the experimental findings, the Rayleigh damping coefficients can b e computed for subsequent use in the modal superposition technique.