Design of a dynamic vibration absorber for vibration isolation of beams under point or distributed loading

A new dynamic vibration absorber combining a translational-type absorber and a rotational-type absorber is proposed for isolation of beam vibration under point or distributed harmonic excitation. Finite element analysis and Euler-Bernouli beam theory are used for evaluation of the performance of vibration isolation of the proposed absorber mounted on a beam. It is proved theoretically that the absorber can isolate the vibration in one part of a beam when it is subjected to a point or distributed harmonic excitation. A prototype of the combined translational and rotational dynamic absorber had been designed and made for evaluation. Both numerical and experimental tests have been done for verification of the theoretical prediction of vibration isolation in beam vibration. The proposed absorber is also suitable for vibration isolation of beam with nonuniform cross-section. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.