Space-dependent damping for reducing vibration of continuous systems

Abstract

Structural vibration in continuous systems is a common source of problems for many mechanical systems. Much research has considered ways to reduce the vibration in continuous systems. Some research uses passive techniques that are simple to implement, whereas other methods implement active control that can be quite complex. The research presented here investigates the effect space-dependent damping has on the vibration of continuous systems. Specifically, the work at hand will focus on the flexural vibration of beams. In a distributed damping beam system, the damping is variable as a function of position along the length of the beam. Such a system could be physically realized through the use of magneto-rheological or electro-rheological fluids. Along its length, a beam could be divided into several isolated sections containing such a fluid. By controlling the magnetic or electric field across each section of the beam, the damping would vary along the length of the beam. The work presented here optimizes the damping as a function of beam position to reduce the broadband frequency response of the beam. A number of support conditions for the vibrating beam are considered.