Hybrid isolator and structural control actuator strut

Abstract

A vibration damping and isolation apparatus including a passive damping mechanism and an active enhancement mechanism. The passive damping mechanism operates to dissipate vibratory and shock forces applied to the vibration damping and isolation apparatus. The passive damping mechanism includes first and second spaced damping elements. A first resilient structure connects the first damping element to the second damping element to define a primary fluid chamber between the first and second damping elements. The passive damping mechanism further includes a second resilient structure that defines a secondary fluid chamber which is in fluid communication with the primary fluid chamber via a fluid flow orifice. A fluid fills the primary fluid chamber, the secondary fluid chamber and the fluid flow orifice. The active enhancement mechanism includes a system for sensing changes in fluid pressure, loads or other parameters of the passive damping mechanism as a result of the forces applied to the vibration damping and isolation apparatus. An actuator system of the active enhancement mechanism is coupled to the sensing system and acts on the passive damping mechanism, to change the fluid pressure within the passive damping mechanism in response to the sensing system or external commands. By actively changing the fluid pressure within the passive damping mechanism in response to forces, the active enhancement mechanism enhances the vibratory and shock dissipation of the passive damping mechanism and can actively change the stroke of the apparatus or force exerted by the apparatus.