9313071 Shen This research project deals with the analysis and the development of an innovative damping treatment, called Intelligent Constrained Layer (ICL), that integrates passive and active damping characteristics to enhance system reliability and provides adjustable damping. A variety of design configurations using the ICL is developed and compared in order to suppress bending and torsional vibrations and optimize damping performance. The dynamics and stability of ICL are investigated in the context of helicopter rotor blades, and a precision boring process as an illustrative example of a manufacturing task. The results of this research yield practical, innovative and fail- safe damping treatments which enhance system reliability and damping adjustability. In addition, they establish fundamental theories such as controllability and stability of damped distributed systems under active vibration control, and advance damping design methodology in structural dynamics and manufacturing. ***
