Implementation of the KDamper concept using disc springs

Abstract

The KDamper is a novel passive vibration isolation and damping concept, based essentially on the optimal combination of appropriate stiffness elements, which include a negative stiffness el-ement. Among others, KDamper can provide comparative advantages in the very low fre-quency range. It should be mentioned, that the KDamping concept does not simply refer to a discrete vibration absorption device, but it consists a general vibration ab-sorption concept, applicable also for the design of advanced materials or complex structures. Such a concept thus presents the potential for numerous implementations in a large variety of technological applications, while further potential may emerge in a multi- physics environment. The paper proceeds to a review of the optimal design and selection of the parameters of the KDamper, which follows exactly the classical approach used for the design of the TMD. The negative stiffness elements have been replaced with a set of Belleville (disc) springs. It should be mentioned that two different cases for an initial displacement and an initial velocity have been considered. It is thus theoretically proven that the KDamper can inherently offer far better isolation and damping properties than the TMD. Finally, an application concerning the implementation of the KDamper for the design of a low frequency vertical vibration isolator is presented.