Theoretical Design of a Novel Vibration Energy Absorbing Mechanism for Cables

• Published in: Applied sciences Vol. 10; no. 15; p. 5309
• Main Authors: Qin, Zhen, Wu, Yu-Ting, Huang, Aihua, Lyu, Sung-Ki, Sutherland, John W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Bridges; Cables; Computer simulation; Construction costs; Dampers; Design; Energy; Energy absorption; Friction; Harmonic balance method; Hydraulic equipment; hydraulic system; Hydraulics; isolation; Load; magnetic spring; Mathematical models; multi-physics mechanism theory; non-linear stiffness; Parameters; Rheology; Rubber; Springs (elastic); Stiffness; Vibration; Vibration control; Vibration damping; vibration energy control
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app10155309

A novel design of a vibration energy absorbing mechanism (VEAM) that is based on multi-physics (magnetic spring, hydraulic system, structural dynamics, etc.) for cable vibration is proposed. The minimum working force of the hydraulic cylinder has been exploited in this design in order to combine a non-linear stiffness vibration isolation module that is composed of permanent magnetic springs with hydraulic viscous vibration damping modules. In response to different environmental vibration impacts, VEAM can automatically switch the vibration control modes without an electronic mechanism. Additionally, the non-contact design effectively reduces the wear that is induced by the reciprocating motion of the small amplitude of the hydraulic viscous dampers. The proposed mechanism is explained and a theoretical model is established. The transmissibility of the two modules at a single degree of freedom is derived using the harmonic balance method. After that, a series of variable control numerical simulations were performed for each important parameter. Empirical rules for designing the system were created by comparing the influence of each parameter on the vibration isolation performance of the entire system.