Module 4: Dynamic Vibration Absorbers and Vibration Isolators
  Lecture 20: Elements of Vibration Isolation
 

Vibration Isolation is ususlly required in two cases:

  1. Isolating a noisy machine - Here, the focus us on design of a suitable foundation which can absorb the vibrational energy and stop propagation.
    Example: Machine foundation for P.A and F.D fan in a power plant, vibration isolation of washing machine.

  2. Isolating a sensitive instrument - Here, the focus is on developing a supporting structure that can isolate a precision system from severe ambient excitation.
    Example: vibration isolation of satellite structure from the Launching Vehicle

To reduce the transmitted excitation isolators in the form of springs and dampers are used. These are grouped into several catagories as shown below:

Important Isolating Elements

Use of elasto-damping materials

  • Springs
  • Dampers
  • Complex damping/stiffness

In this lecture, we will discuss about various industrially applied springs and dampers.