Semi-active tuned mass damper to eliminate limit-cycle oscillation
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSteven F. Griffin, Stefan P. Hovik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods of damping vibrations in a host structure are described. In one embodiment, the vibrations can be damped using a tuned mass damper. The tuned mass damper can include a suspended mass with magnets which is configured to move in response to current being applied to a voice coil. The tuned mass damper can damp vibrations resulting from an external load applied to the host structure, such as an external aerodynamic load. In one embodiment, the tuned mass damper can be mounted within a wind tunnel model undergoing transonic testing. The tuned mass damper can be operated to limit potentially destructive vibrations which can occur during testing.
Claims22
A system comprising:
- a host structure configured to receive a periodic external load;
- a tuned mass damper, coupled to the host structure, including
- a frame;
- a voice coil configured to receive current;
- a suspended mass including a magnet configured to move in response to the current moving through the voice coil;
- a suspension system which couples the suspended mass to the frame;
- and
- a displacement sensor configured to measure an amount of displacement of the suspended mass;
- and
- a control system configured to receive sensor data from the displacement sensor and use the displacement sensor data to control the current in the voice coil to damp structural vibrations associated with the host structure.
An aerodynamic system comprising:
- a wind tunnel model configured to receive an aerodynamic load;
- a tuned mass damper, coupled to the wind tunnel model and disposed within an interior of the wind tunnel model, including
- a frame;
- a voice coil configured to receive current;
- a suspended mass including a magnet configured to move in response to the current moving through the voice coil;
- a suspension system which couples the suspended mass to the frame;
- and
- a displacement sensor configured to measure an amount of displacement of the suspended mass;
- and
- a control system configured to receive sensor data from the displacement sensor and use the displacement sensor data to control the current in the voice coil to damp structural vibrations associated with the wind tunnel model.
A method comprising:
- operating a wind tunnel including a wind tunnel model mounted to a support system in the wind tunnel to generate air flow over the wind tunnel model wherein the wind tunnel model includes a tuned mass damper mounted within the interior of wind tunnel model;
- and
- controlling the tuned mass damper during wind tunnel tests to damp structural vibrations in the wind tunnel model.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.