Demonstrating Vibration Control of Lightweight Structures by Adjustable Impedance Elements

The mechanical interface properties between a lightweight structure and its surroundings are a key factor in vibration reduction. This paper demonstrates the principle of vibration reduction in lightweight structures by using Adjustable Impedance Elements (AIEs). AIEs enable the interface stiffness and damping to be adjusted over a wide range. Parameter studies are conducted to identify promising combinations of interface stiffness and damping using FEM. With optimal settings of the AIE a vibration reduction of 63% compared to a rigid interface is reached. However, the vibration response is effectively decreased only within a limited frequency range. Thus, the need for dynamically adaptive interface properties is deduced.