Designing and experimental study of compact vibration isolator with quasi-zero stiffness

This study aimed to develop a compact high-efficiency vibration isolator. It was proposed to use force characteristic with quasi-zero stiffness. To avoid a number of design problems, the isolator was designed in a dome shape. This study features a mathematical model of the vibration isolator with quasi-zero stiffness. It allows calculating the isolator properties by geometrical parameters. Stability analysis giving advanced formulas for achieving the maximum workload at certain dimensions was made. For an experimental study, the prototypes were made of shock-absorbing rubbers IRP1346, IRP1347, IRP1348, and fluoroelastomer SKF-32. Force characteristic in static condition was studied, which showed the high efficiency of the compact vibration isolator with quasi-zero stiffness: natural frequency equals 0.8-1.2 Hz. An experimental study in dynamic condition was done using load cell sensors to measure dynamic force transmitted with and without the vibration isolator. The experiment shows a vibration isolation coefficient equal to 244, corresponding to the natural vibration frequency of 2.17 Hz. The study shows the vibration isolator with quasi-zero stiffness as highly efficient, compact, and very perspective for industrial application.