Shock Isolation in Finite Length Dimer Chains With Linear, Cubic, and Hertzian Spring Interactions

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of finite 1:1 dimer chains to mitigate the transmission of shock disturbances. Dimer chains consist of alternating light and heavy masses with interconnecting compliance. Changing the mass ratio has provided interesting results in previous research. In particular, in the case of Hertzian contacts with zeropreload, certain mass ratios have revealed minimal levels of transmitted force. This paper examines this phenomenon from the perspective of utilizing it in practical isolation systems. The zeropreload Hertzian contact case is contrasted with chains connected by linear or cubic springs. Through numerical simulations, tradeoffs are examined between displacement and transmitted force. Parametric studies are conducted to examine how isolation performance changes with mass ratio, stiffness, and different chain lengths.