Semi-Active Shock and Vibration Isolation for Tactical Aircraft UsingMagnetorheological Fluid Technology

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of using Magnetorheological (MR) fluid based dampers for both shock and vibration isolation for the E-2C Hawkeye. Metron has previously developed a prototype system to accomplish this objective in a laboratory demonstration. This proposal represents the minimal level of effort to reproduce this laboratory demonstration. Furthermore, Metron proposes to develop a test plan for transition of this technology from a laboratory demonstration system to a flight test system. This isolation system was developed under a DARPA sponsored research program. The objective of this program was to demonstrate the potential of a MR-based semi-active control system for the isolation from both shock and vibration. The demonstration system is a single dof design operating under feedback control and makes use of specialized control laws. The control methodology, designed to recognize either shock or vibration environments, responds accordingly and provides appropriate control action commensurate with the sensed state. Using recorded E-2C data as vibration inputs, Metron's system achieved acceleration attenuation levels of 15dB or greater for frequencies up to 300 Hz. In addition, this system provides near ideal shock reduction as dictated by the allowable travel in the system.