Variable stiffness fluidic flexible matrix composites (f²mc) are investigated for vibration isolation through analysis and experiments. The fluidic flexible matrix composites are novel structures that have been shown to achieve significant changes in stiffness through simple valve control. The objective of this research is to develop analysis tools to investigate the f²mc variable modulus system for semi-active vibration isolation and to validate the results through experiment. A nonlinear analytical model of an isolation mount based on the f²mc tube with a proportional valve is developed. Analysis results indicate that the f²mc based isolation mount is effective for reducing the force transmitted to the foundation. Simulation studies demonstrate that the transmissibility ratio can be tuned via a proportional valve, where the resonant frequencies and damping can be regulated. Experimental results agree with analysis results and validate semi-active vibration isolation using a proportional valve.

Date Published: 27 April 2011
PDF: 13 pages
Proc. SPIE 7977, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2011, 797709 (27 April 2011); doi: 10.1117/12.880443

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7977:
Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2011
Mehrdad N. Ghasemi-Nejhad, Editor(s)