Analysis and minimization of power flow in a mechanical vibration isolation system using a hybrid (active/passive) approach

Abstract

Implementation of active control techniques in mechanical vibration isolation systems has been a challenging problem for a number of years where numerous physical control laws have been explored. An energy-based approach to the problem involving the energy transfer or power flow through the mount into the base structure is a first-principles approach to developing control laws and evaluating the system performance. A lumped-parameter model of a passive–active hybrid isolation mount has been developed and validated with experimental data. The mount device has a conventional passive compliant spring, embedded force and velocity sensors, and a piezoceramic actuation layer. This study investigates a complete set of possible layer configurations, that is, the optimal placement of sensors and actuator relative to the passive compliant isolator element. A number of different local physical control laws are examined and the level of power flow through the mount is used to evaluate the performance for the matrix of possible implementations. These results will be discussed with particular emphasis placed on the optimal control configuration and laws, and the related physics. a)Also with SFA, Inc., Largo, MD 20774.