Performance of a semi-active/passive integrated isolator based on a magnetorheological elastomer and spring

This paper reports an investigation on a semi-active/passive integrated vibration isolator utilizing a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) and spring. To overcome the main shortcoming of passive isolation systems, i.e. lack of adaptability, the semi-active/passive integrated isolator (SAPII) based on an MRE and spring is designed and prototyped. The magnetic circuit is optimized by finite element analysis to fully unlock the unique features of the MRE. The dynamic response characteristic of the SAPII is experimentally investigated under a sweep frequency test. A dynamic model of the SAPII vibration isolation system is established on the basis of the Kelvin model. The model parameters, such as equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping, are identified from experimental data. An ON-OFF control law based on the minimal displacement transmissibility is designed for isolation control of the sinusoid excitation. Two control laws, i.e. ON-OFF control and fuzzy logic control, are designed for vibration isolation of random excitation. Finally, the effectiveness of these control laws is verified by numerical simulation and experiment.