Vibration isolation using nonlinear damping implemented by a feedback-controlled MR damper

The main problem of using a conventional linear damper on a vibration isolation system is that the reduction of the resonant peak in many cases inevitably results in the degradation of the high-frequency transmissibility. Instead of using active control methods which normally depend on the model of the controlled plant and where unmodelled dynamics may induce stability concerns, recent studies have revealed that optimal vibration isolation over a wide frequency range can be achieved by using nonlinear damping. The present study is concerned with the realization of the ideal nonlinear damping characteristic using a feedback-controlled MR damper. Both simulation and experimental studies are conducted to demonstrate the advantages of the simple but effective vibration control strategy. This research work has significant implications for the effective use of MR dampers in the vibration control of a wide range of engineering systems. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)