Experimental validation of a new hybrid self-supplied crankshaft torsional vibrations damper

Abstract

The increasing requirement levels for vibration mitigation in combustion engines contributes to a promotion of semi-active and active vibration dampers. Such devices are performant, but may be hindered by stability problems, and require a constant supply in energy. Recently, a rotative hybrid self-supplied damper has been introduced, designed specifically to tackle these limitations and boasting promising damping capabilities. However, the presented system was limited only to numerical investigations. The present paper constitutes an experimental validation of this damper concept. A specific test bench, able to reproduce at a smaller scale the particular non-stationary rotation of a crankshaft, is presented as well as a demonstrator for the hybrid damper. The experiments run on the bench reveal very good damping capabilities, as a complete cancellation of the torsional vibrations is reachable. Some limits revealed by the experiments, introduced by the test rig or inherent to the concept, are then discussed.