Tuned mass damper with translational axis damping

The present invention generally relates to damping devices and, more particularly, relates to a tuned mass damper for damping oscillations and vibrations which occur in structures, such as those found on spacecraft satellites. A tuned mass damper includes a container having first and second inside w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Davis, Toren S, Koehler, David R, Boyd, James H
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 21.10.2003
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Summary:The present invention generally relates to damping devices and, more particularly, relates to a tuned mass damper for damping oscillations and vibrations which occur in structures, such as those found on spacecraft satellites. A tuned mass damper includes a container having first and second inside wall portions, and a proof mass disposed within the container. Multiple pairs of oppositely directed bellows containing damping fluid are connected between the wall portions and the mass to permit motion of the mass along primary axes. A spring is connected in series with each pair of bellows. The spring has a diameter substantially less than a diameter of the corresponding pair of bellows so that the spring and bellows allow translational movement of the mass about an axis other than the primary axes.