Title: Vibration attenuation using passive periodic struts

Authors: Saeed Asiri, Moustafa Al-Bassyiouni

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Maryland, 2181 Glenn Matrin Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA

Abstract: Passive periodic structures exhibit unique dynamic characteristics that make them act as mechanical filters for wave propagation. As a result, waves can propagate along the periodic structures only within specific frequency bands called pass bands, and wave propagation is completely blocked within other frequency bands called stop bands. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on developing a new class of these periodic structures called passive periodic struts (PPS), which are mainly used to support gearbox systems. When designed properly, the PPS can stop the propagation of vibration from the vibration source within critical frequency bands, and this consequently minimises the effects of transmission of undesirable vibration to the main structure. The theory governing the operation of this class of PPS is introduced, and its filtering characteristics are demonstrated experimentally as a function of the design parameters. The presented concept of the PPS can also be employed in many applications to control wave propagation and force transmission, in both the spectral and the spatial domains in an attempt to stop/confine the propagation of undesirable disturbances.

Keywords: passive periodic struts; PPS; vibration attenuation; spectral finite element; gearbox struts; mechanical filters; wave propagation; periodic structures; vehicle vibration; force transmission; automotive structures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2011.039051

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2011 Vol.7 No.1, pp.1 - 15

Published online: 14 Oct 2014 *

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