Dynamic Behavior and Isolation Performance of a Constant-Force Vibration Isolation System

Abstract

This paper will present a constant-force vibration isolator (CFVI), in which the isolated load is supported by two pulley-roller mechanisms, while the dynamic stiffness is modified by a cam mechanism with the piecewise profile redefined by the user. As a result, this model can generate the constant force-displacement response within the working region, thereby obtaining quasi-zero stiffness in this range. Because of the piecewise configuration of the cam, the system motion governed by the piecewise dynamic equation under base motion excitation will be analyzed and established. The approximate solution of the piecewise dynamic equation is derived by using the average method, from which the relative amplitude–frequency relation and the absolute amplitude transmissibility of the CFVI will be obtained. The effects of the key working parameters involving the damping coefficient, critical position, and excited amplitude on the dynamic behavior and isolation effectiveness of the CFVI are considered through numerical simulations. The simulation result reveals that the dynamic response of the CFVI offers two branches: resonance and isolation. The former is significantly affected by the working parameters, whereas the latter is weakly influenced. Furthermore, the isolation effectiveness of the CFVI will be compared with that of its linear counterpart and the quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolation model using a semicircle cam (QZSI). The results demonstrate that the CFVI outperforms the other models for base motion excitations.