Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

Slides to accompany lectures in ME 599/699:

Vibro-Acoustic Design in Mechanical Systems
© 2002 by A. F. Seybert
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0503
Tel: 859-257-6336 x 80645
Fax: 859-257-3304
seybert@engr.uky.edu
 Examples of Vibration Isolation
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

• Engine and motor mounts

• Exhaust pipe hanger brackets

• Automotive suspension system

• Laser table support system

• Dimensional measurement system support

• Other??

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 Goal of Vibration Isolation
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

Goal: to minimize the transfer of force, displacement, or

energy from an active to a passive component.

Active component

A small amplitude vibration can produce a large amplitude

vibration if the active component is attached to a low
“impedance” passive component (e.g., a compressor
attached to a sheet metal panel of a window A/C unit).

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 SDOF Theory of Vibration Isolation
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems
x (t ) Isolation system
B
f (t ) M
K

Force transmitted to the supporting foundation:

fT (t ) = Kx + Bx& and using CER

~ jωt ( K + jω B)Fe
jω t

FT e jω t
= ( K + jω B) Xe =
K − Mω 2 + jω B
FT 1 + ( 2ς r ) 2
= 2 ≡ TR
F [1 − r ] + ( 2ς r )
2 2

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 Transmissibility of Isolation System
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

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 Summary
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

• Select the stiffness of the isolation system such that

ω /ωn ≥ 2
• Minimize the damping of the isolation system
• Run-up and run-down should be fast enough to avoid
transient oscillations at resonance due to low damping
• Be aware of excessive static deflection and lateral
instability
• Use “inertia blocks” if appropriate
M
Inertia Block

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 Application — Electric Motors
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

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 Vibration Isolators
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

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 Flexible Couplings
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

Flexible
Couplings

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 Application — Compressors
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

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 Application: Pumps
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

Noisy Quiet
Design Design

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 Application: Fans and Blowers
Design of Vibration Isolation Systems

Soft duct
sealers

Enclosure or room

Mufflers

Flex-duct
connections Soft isolators

Figure Controlling Fan Noise and Vibration

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