Hybrid Three-Axis Vibration Reducers
These are three-dimensional generalizations of prior single-axis devices.
Hybrid (passive/active) devices have been developed to reduce the magnitudes of possibly threedimensional vibrations coupled from vibrating equipment on platforms to bases that support the platforms. These hybrid devices are three-axis generalizations of singleaxis hybrid vibration reducers developed and reported previously. Each hybrid device includes rubber passive vibration-isolator pads, piezoelectric actuators, optional piezoelectric force sensors, and accelerometers. Each device operates in conjunction with a computer and control-and-actuation circuitry, which process accelerometer readings using feedforward and/or feedback control laws to excite the piezoelectric actuators with signals having amplitudes and phases chosen to minimize acceleration of the base.

Accelerometers are mounted on the base and on the platform. The piezoelectric actuators are excited via electrical cables (not shown in the figure): one cable for the vertical-axis actuator and one cable for the pair of actuators for each horizontal axis. The actuators for each axis are wired in an opposing-polarity, push-pull arrangement: the application of a voltage of a given polarity causes one actuator to expand and the other to contract along the affected axis.
Experiments have confirmed that with proper design, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in vibration amplitude. For example, for one such device designed to perform optimally at frequencies from 50 to 500 Hz, in tests at 50 Hz, vibrations were suppressed by amounts ranging from about 35 to about 40 dB. Moreover, even when the piezoelectric actuators were not used (that is, when only rubber pads provided the vibration isolation), vibrations were suppressed by about 11 dB.
This work was done by Robert D. Corsaro and Brian H. Houston of the Naval Research Laboratory and Peter C. Herdic of SFA, Inc. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.defensetechbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics/Machinery category. NRL-0001
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).

Hybrid Three-Axis Vibration Reducers
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Overview
The document titled "Hybrid Actuator for 3-Axis Control" is a memorandum report from the Naval Research Laboratory, authored by Peter C. Herdic, Robert D. Corsaro, and Brian H. Houston. It presents the design, development, and testing of a novel hybrid actuator capable of simultaneous 3-axis vibration reduction, which is significant for applications requiring precise control of acoustics.
The report begins with an introduction outlining the scope and objectives of the research, emphasizing the need for effective vibration control in various engineering applications. The authors describe the actuator as a hybrid device that combines passive and active elements to achieve enhanced performance in reducing vibrations across three axes.
Key components of the actuator include a highly linear single-crystal piezoelectric actuator, which is crucial for minimizing distortion and achieving high levels of vibration reduction. The report details the fabrication process of the actuator, including the materials used and the assembly techniques employed to ensure robustness and reproducibility.
The results section highlights the actuator's performance, demonstrating a vibration reduction of approximately 30 to 45 dB for both single and multiple tones. This level of performance is attributed to the actuator's design, which allows for effective base acceleration minimization. The authors discuss the implications of these results, noting that the actuator's capabilities make it suitable for a range of applications in vibration-sensitive environments.
The document also includes sections on the testing methodology, where various trials were conducted to assess the actuator's effectiveness. The discussion section reflects on the findings, addressing potential challenges and future directions for research in this area.
In conclusion, the report asserts that this hybrid actuator represents a significant advancement in the field of vibration control, potentially paving the way for further innovations in actuator technology. The authors express optimism about the actuator's application in real-world scenarios, particularly in industries where precise acoustic control is critical.
Overall, the report serves as a comprehensive overview of the development of a cutting-edge 3-axis hybrid actuator, detailing its design, performance, and potential applications in vibration reduction.
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