Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Disruptive Tuned Mass (DTM) is a passive high-performance technology providing a lightweight solution for vibration reduction and platform stabilization. DTM is a revolutionary new category of Tuned Mass System (TMS) significantly outperforming Tuned Vibration Absorbers (TVA) and Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD). DTM is a fundamentally different approach that alters the response of the structure by altering the modal response of the system. DTM controls the phase of coupling between the primary system and the secondary mass to alter and control the fundamental vibration response attributes of the primary system. The innovation relies on Patented technology invented by Linc’s Jeff Linder and NASA’s Rob Berry to overcome violent vibrations caused by a resonant condition in NASA’s Ares I launch vehicle. Current passive vibration mitigation approaches are rendered ineffective by their narrowband operation and strong force non-linearity. Active systems are expensive and introduce new failure modes. This study will demonstrate the feasibility of a passive DTM to successfully mitigate vibration by demonstrating wideband capability and the elimination of force non-linearity. Analysis will show the value for reliability, sustainability and obsolescence issues as well. Commercial applications include; building and bridge sway reduction, wind turbine vibration reduction, and ship/tanker stabilization.