Vibration reduction system employing active bearing mounts

A vibration reduction system for use in conjunction with a rotational device that includes a stationary body, a rotating body, and a bearing assembly disposed between the stationary body and the rotating body, the vibration reduction system comprising:

• a plurality of active bearing mounts, each supporting the bearing assembly and comprising:
• a first bearing mount actuator configured to adjust the radial position of the bearing assembly;
• and
• a load cell sensor configured to sense forces conducted through the bearing mount;
• and
• a controller coupled to the plurality of active bearing mounts, the controller configured to reduce vibrations sensed by the load cell sensor by selectively adjusting the radial position of the bearing assembly utilizing the first bearing mount actuator.

An active bearing mount suitable for use in conjunction with a vibration reduction system deployed in a rotational device of the type that includes a housing and a bearing assembly, the vibration reduction system including a controller, the active bearing mount comprising:

• a first piezoelectric actuator coupled to the controller and disposed between the housing and the bearing assembly;
• and
• a flexure positioned proximate the first piezoelectric actuator;
• wherein the first piezoelectric actuator is configured to change thickness in response to an applied voltage from the controller so as to adjust the radial position of the bearing assembly and thus minimize vibrations transmitted therethrough.