A Fail-Safe Controllable Magneto-Rheological Fluid Smart Pad/Damper System for Submarine Based Weapon Shock and Vibration Mitigation

An innovative tunable vibration absorber (TVA) concept was developed in the Phase I feasibility study. This design was selected among others to be developed in full scale in Phase II and Phase II Option based on a detailed theoretical modeling, smallprototype test results, and a cost analysis, which were conducted in Phase I.In Phase II and Phase II Option a new generation of TVA utilizing a class of magneto-rheological (MR) materials as the controllable medium will be designed, built and tested in full scale. This system will provide controllable vibration isolation for theUS Navy's FBM launch system. The proposed TVA system consists of a MR material, a compact device, and a robust control system. The proposed system offers advantages, such as, fail-safe, material stability, lack of seal wear, and environmental protectioncorrosive nature of seawater.The effort to achieve the objectives includes: (1) material preparation and characterization of a MR material system suitable for this particular application, (2) theoretical study, design, and construction of the proposed large-scale MR-based TVA device,(3) design and implementation of a robust control system that can provide accurate and fast response, and (4) full-scale testing of the integrated system (Phase II Option). The anticipated result for the Phase II and Phase II Option MR-based TVA will be full-scale device that supports a flexible payload for future FBM launch system applications. This device will provide a controllable reaction force through energizing anelectromagnet that then changes the MR-based material storage and loss properties. MR-based materials can have a significant increase in their storage modulus in the presence of a magnetic field. The Phase II and Phase II option MR-based TVA large-scaleprototype and testing will be the bridge to Phase III production delivery.It is also anticipated to extend the benefits of this technology to other applications and markets through product development for both military and private sectors. In addition to the FBM launch system applications, other Department of Defenseapplications include: HMMWV, weapon recoil systems, flexible gun tubes, helicopter main rotor assembles and suspension mechanisms of ground combat vehicles providing enhanced ground speed over rough terrain. A MR-based TVA may significantly enhance theperformance of systems such as the 30mm and 40mm chain gun, 50 caliber machine guns, large caliber tank artillery, and even individual crew served tactical weapon systems.Private sector commercialization opportunities exist for light and heavy-duty vehicle suspension, vehicle engine mounts and bushings, aircraft landing gear systems, rotating machinery and power plant mounts, sensitive electronic equipment vibrationisolation, as well as automation and motion control for industrial manufacturing systems.