Improving the Performance of a Vibration Neutraliser by Controlling Its Stiffness and Damping

This paper is concerned with improving the performance of a vibration neutraliser (absorber) by making it adaptive. To achieve this, the stiffness and damping of the device has to be controlled so that the impedance of the neutraliser is optimised at its operational frequency. The results of an experimental study are presented where real-time control of such a device is demonstrated. The stiffness is adjusted by changing the geometry, and damping is controlled with a velocity feedback system. Both these actions are achieved using a fuzzy logic controller.