Structural Damping of a Simple Built-Up Beam With Riveted Joints in Bending

A theoretical study is made of the structural damping in the bending of a simple built-up beam with thin reinforcing spar caps in which the rivets or screws prevent the sliding motion between the cap and the beam. An analytical expression of the energy loss per cycle of static loading is derived in terms of amplitude of load, stiffness of rivets, and tightness of joint. Experimental measurements on a test beam provide a qualitative verification of the theory.