Abstract
An analytical model is proposed to predict the viscoelastic properties of polymer based hybrid composites loaded with shunted piezoelectric inclusions. First, a micromechanics approach is used to develop a three-dimensional compliance matrix of a shunted piezoelectric inclusion embedded in a matrix. Then, the viscoelectroelastic correspondence principle is used in combination with the Mori-Tanaka method to estimate the effective moduli of the hybrid composites. The loss factor of short fiber, sphere, and thin disk piezoceramic particles are examined. The damping capabilities of several hybrid composites are evaluated. The effects of the shunting resistance-frequency parameter, piezoceramics content and constituents' shapes on loss factor are also investigated. It is observed that hybrid composites consisted of short fiber inclusions offer a superior damping capability when compared with the other shapes. The predicted results show good agreement with the previously reported experimental results.