Design of an ultrathin passive isolator based on multi-layer plain-woven wire mesh

Abstract

Spacecraft devices have strict restrictions on weight and volume for high fuel efficiency and endurance requirements. In this paper, a method for designing an ultrathin passive vibration isolator based on multi-layer plain-woven wire mesh is proposed. The isolator is structurally inspired by O-type wire rope isolators, and the wire mesh is pre-compressed to buckling for lower stiffness and higher stability. The isolator stiffness in the post-buckling process is analyzed by simplifying the single wire as a strut. The motion equation of the strut is constructed and calculated by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and the shooting method. The morphology and stiffness variation of the wire mesh during pre-compression process and repeated compression process are analyzed, and the structural compaction ratio is calculated. This computational method has been experimentally validated and proven to be effective. To prevent collisions between the protected objects and the base during the shock process, the system is simplified and described using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with displacement restrictors. The system’s motion equation is formulated and solved using the central difference method. Subsequently, the maximum compression displacement of the isolator is determined through the calculation. A wire mesh isolator with a thickness of less than 10 mm is fabricated for a specific application. Experimental results confirm that the isolation efficiency surpasses 65%, and the isolator is capable of withstanding a peak acceleration of 60 g while maintaining a shock acceleration magnification below 1.2.