Theoretical and experimental analysis of shock isolation using non linear stiffness

The problem of vibration generated by shock is very common in practice and difficult to isolate due to the high levels of excitation involved and its transient nature. If not properly isolated it could lead to large transmitted forces and displacements. Tyipicaly classical shock isolation relies on the use of passive stiffness elements to absorb energy by deformation and some damping mechanism to dissipate residual vibration. The approach of using non linear stiffness elements is explored in this paper, focusing in providing a isolation system with low dynamic stiffness. The possibilities of using such a configuration for a shock mount are studied experimentally and backed up with theoretical models. It is found that the stiffness nonlinearities could be advantageous in improving shock isolation in some situations when compared with linear elastic elements.