Energy flow and performance evaluation of inerter-based vibration isolators mounted on finite and infinite flexible foundation structures

This study investigates the vibration power flow behavior and performance of inerter-based vibration isolators mounted on finite and infinite flexible beam structures. Two configurations of vibration isolators with spring, damper, and inerter as well as different rigidities of finite and infinite foundation structures are considered. Both the time-averaged power flow transmission and the force transmissibility are studied and used as indices to evaluate the isolation performance. Comparisons are made between the two proposed configurations of inerter-based isolators and the conventional spring-damper isolators to show potential performance benefits of including inerter for effective vibration isolation. It is shown that by configuring the inerter, spring, and damper in parallel in the isolator, anti-peaks are introduced in the time-averaged transmitted power and force transmissibility at specific frequencies such that the vibration transmission to the foundation can be greatly suppressed. When the inerter is connected in series with a spring-damper unit and then in-parallel with a spring, considerable improvement in vibration isolation can be achieved near the original peak frequency while maintaining good high-frequency isolation performance. The study provides better understanding of the effects of adding inerters to vibration isolators mounted on a flexible foundation, and benefits enhanced designs of inerter-based vibration suppression systems.

Protection of precision spacecraft equipment from internal sources of vibration

The work is devoted to the protection of a spacecraft from the influence of unacceptable internal vibration sources. The urgency of reducing the vibration activity on board the spacecraft to improve the accuracy of the target equipment is indicated. A particular problem of vibration protection of the spacecraft platform from a vibration source – an electric pump unit of a liquid thermal control system – is being solved. The basic requirements for electric pump unit vibration protection have been determined. Possible ways to reduce the level of vibration excited by the electric pump unit on the surface of the spacecraft fixation are considered. Particular attention is paid to such vibration protection methods as damping and vibration isolation, implemented by installing special vibration protection devices between the source (electric pump unit) and the object (spacecraft) – vibration isolators and vibration dampers. The principles of operation of vibration dampers and vibration isolators, the most common materials for vibration dampers are described. Examples of constructive solutions for linear single-axial vibration isolators are considered, recommendations for the use of promising products are developed. Particularemphasis is placed on the use of metal rubber as a material for vibration isolators. With regard to a specific design of electric pump unit, a diagram of the spatial structure of vibration isolation is proposed. Formulas for calculation are given in detail, a mathematical model of the vibration isolation system is developed. The procedure for calculating the parameters of the system has been formed. Based on the model, the maximum possible level of vibration suppression in the mid-frequency region was determined. Minimum required number of operable pixels was identified for monitoring the water surface with sufficient accuracy and reliability.

DEVELOPMENT OF VIBRATION ISOLATOR USING MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL ELASTOMER MATERIAL BASED

Many vibration isolators, for instance, passive vehicle mounting device, have fixed stiffness. This article presents the development of the adjustable stiffness engine mounting magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based to reduce vibration. The development of MREs vibration isolator is to design of engine mounting first step, for next step is to simulate the electromagnetic circuit. The housing material selection and MREs thickness were considered to equip sufficient, uniform magnetic fields to change the stiffness. The innovative magnetic circuit design includes the type and size of the wire and the number of the coil turns to obtain the best magnetic fields to eliminate vibration. Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) software was utilized to show the effectiveness of the electromagnetic circuit in generating magnetic fields through the MREs. Finally, various current input influence to the MREs vibration isolator is investigated. The higher current input is more useful to eliminate vibration using MREs isolator system.

About the weight and size parameters of electromagnetic stiffness correctors

A significant reduction in the levels of general ship vibrations can be achieved by using vibration isolators with a “floating” section of zero stiffness in vibration protection suspensions. In such devices, in parallel to the main elastic element, the so-called stiffness corrector (compensator) is switched on - a device with a negative coefficient of static stiffness, equipped with a restructuring system that ensures the retention of the corrector elements when the relative position of the vibrating and protected objects, caused by a change in static forces acting on these objects. One of the variants of the corrector is an electromagnetic stiffness corrector, in which the power characteristic with a negative stiffness coefficient is provided by two electromagnets with a common armature turned on in opposite directions. The disadvantage of such correctors is the dependence of their overall dimensions on the value of the permissible relative displacement of the vibrating and protected objects. The article deduced mathematical expressions that approximately determine the dependence of the overall dimensions of the stiffness corrector electromagnets on the value of the calculated relative displacement of the vibrating and protected objects, the possible field of application of vibration isolators Xwith electromagnetic stiffness correctors is determined.

A Novel Ring Spring Vibration Isolator for Metro Superstructure

Due to the serious impact of metro vibration on people’s lives, it is important to design vibration isolators. In this study, the dynamic characteristics of a thick-walled ring spring are studied first. Through theoretical derivation, a new formula suitable for thick-walled ring springs is proposed. Finite element numerical analysis was performed to study the load–displacement curve and stress of the ring spring and verified the correctness of the formula. According to the studied mechanic characteristics, a novel ring spring isolator is proposed for vibration isolation of the metro superstructure. With the help of a ring spring, the proposed isolator has good energy absorption and self-reset function. The dynamic simulations were conducted in a multi-story building with the ring spring isolator as the isolator to study the vibration performance. It is common knowledge that the vertical natural frequency of the superstructure that is isolated by compression springs is given by the mass of the superstructure and the spring stiffness. In order to obtain vibration attenuation and control the vertical deformation, the spring stiffness needs to be 500–1000 kN/mm. Hence, it is clear that the vibration isolator does reduce the vertical eigenfrequency. By comparing the isolated structure with the non-isolated structure, it is proved that the new isolator can effectively improve a building’s serviceability.

Sound transmission paths through a statistical energy analysis model of mechanically linked aircraft double-walls

Sound transmission loss (TL) through mechanically linked aircraft double-walls is studied with a statistical energy analysis method. An overview of the method is given with details on acoustic and structural transfer path analysis. The studied structure is composed of a thick composite sandwich panel representative of a skin panel, lined with an acoustic insulation layer (glass wool), and structurally connected via vibration isolators to a thin composite sandwich lining panel representative of a trim panel. Two types of vibration isolators are considered: a soft and rigid mechanical link. Various experimental methods were used to assess the accuracy of this model. This study shows the robustness of the simple four-pole modeling of isolators, which depends mainly on the importance of correctly determining the experimental dynamic stiffness of typical aircraft vibration isolators. The prediction of the TL while acceptable was, however, found less satisfactory for the soft configuration. This is traced to the uncertainties on the used coupling loss factor. Finally, a transfer path analysis is performed to identify the contribution of each transmission path in the entire frequency range of interest. Results show that non-resonant airborne transmission dominates in low frequencies, the airborne radiation is significant in the critical frequency region of the panels, while the structure-borne radiation increases the noise transmitted in the mid- and high-frequency ranges.

Acoustic decoupling for structural elements by affixed supports - inherent contradiction or perfect complement? Restrained vibration isolation supports - a critical review

Restrained vibration isolation supports balance efficient isolation performance and stability for the supporting body under present loads. Necessary and beneficially for noise and vibration isolation applications with stringent stability requirements, such as full building isolation with potential uplift, interior partition sway bracing, curtain walls, elevator rail isolation, and mechanical vibration isolation, the performance of restrained vibration isolators are often misunderstood or oversimplified. This paper investigates the general vibration isolation theory used to create the analytical model for restrained isolation supports, intricacies of vibration isolation materials which may cause reality to diverge from well-known models, comparison of theory to laboratory testing, and a review of common uses/applications for these types of vibration isolation solutions, and recommendation to avoid undesired results from common pitfalls associated with restrained isolation supports implementation and installations.