Method and apparatus for minimizing multiple degree of freedom vibration transmission between two regions of a structure

US5156370A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Richard J. Silcox · Poquoson, US
• Chris Fuller · Blacksburg, US
• Gary P. Gibbs · Chesapeake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 1991
• Grant date: Oct 20, 1992
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D19/02
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Arrays of actuators are affixed to structural elements to impede the transmission of vibrational energy. A single pair is used to provide control of bending and extensional waves and two pairs are used to control torsional motion in addition to these two types of wave motion. The arrays are applied to a wide variety of structural elements such as a beam structure that is part of larger framework that may or may not support a rigid or non-rigid skin. Electrical excitation is applied to the actuators that generate forces on the structure. These electrical inputs may be adjusted in their amplitude and phase by a controller in communication with appropriate vibrational wave sensors to impede the flow of vibrational power in all of the above mentioned wave forms beyond the actuator location. Additional sensor elements can be used to monitor the performance and adjust the electrical inputs to maximize the attenuation of vibrational energy.