A theory for bistable vibration isolators

Bistable structures have been widely used for vibrational energy harvesting, the corresponding potential vibration isolation application has also received attention recently. This paper presents a general theory for bistable vibration isolators (BVIs) and reveals the bistable vibration isolation mechanism. The nonlinear restoring force and potential energy are obtained through analyzing the general model of BVIs with three-spring quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) model. The generalized force and displacement transmissibilities of BVIs are deduced. The theoretical and numerical transmissibilities are calculated. A feasible model of BVIs is applied to quantitatively verify the advantages of BVIs in vibration isolation. The results demonstrate that BVIs can provide negative and softening stiffness characteristics to broaden the isolation band, and a shallower potential barrier and intrawell oscillation are beneficial to vibration isolation. BVIs should be carefully designed to avoid the interwall oscillation to ensure a considerable vibration isolation performance due to the effects of initial equilibrium position. This paper provides a guideline for the design, analysis, and optimization of BVIs.

Automated summary

This paper presents a general theory for bistable vibration isolators (BVIs) and reveals the bistable vibration isolation mechanism. The advantages of BVIs in vibration isolation are quantitatively verified through theoretical and numerical calculations, providing guidance for the design, analysis, and optimization of BVIs.