PRECISION CONTROLLED ACTUATION AND VIBRATION ISOLATION UTILIZING MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL (MR) FLUID TECHNOLOGY

Precision controlled vibration isolation utilizing magnetorheological (MR) fluid technology for potential space optical applications, such as surveillance and directed energy, is addressed. This research includes the design, development and preliminary testing of a semiactive, proof-of-concept, MR vibration isolator. Base disturbances designed to produce payload vibration responses were employed in a single degree-of-freedom test apparatus. The MR vibration isolator served as the load-coupling element between the payload and the base disturbance input. The three-parameter isolator consists of two passive spring elements combined with one MR damping element. The MR damper control algorithm uses relative rate between damper cylinder and piston to dynamically vary the effective coefficient of damping. The result of this technology is ability to tune isolation frequency within a given range. Through intelligent modulation of the damping element alone, dynamic changes in both apparent stiffness and damping of the isolator are achieved. For applications where the ability to vary stiffness and damping would improve pointing accuracy and jitter control, this technology holds great appeal.