Optimization of an inerter-based vibration isolation system and helical spring fatigue life assessment

This paper presents an analytical analysis and optimization of vibration-induced fatigue in a generalized, linear two-degree-of-freedom inerter-based vibration isolation system. The system consists of a source body and a receiving body, coupled through an isolator. The isolator consists of a spring, a damper, and an inerter. A broadband frequency force excitation of the source body is assumed throughout the investigation. Optimized system, in which the kinetic energy of the receiving body is minimized, is compared with sub-optimal systems by contrasting the fatigue life of a receiving body helical spring with several alternative isolator setup cases. The optimization is based on minimizing specific kinetic energy, but it also increases the number of cycles to fatigue failure of the considered helical spring. A significant portion of this improvement is due to the inclusion of an optimally tuned inerter in the isolator. Various helical spring deflection and stress correction factors from referent literature are discussed. Most convenient spring stress and deflection correction factors are adopted and employed in conjunction with pure shear governed proportional stress in the context of high-cycle fatigue.