Vibration Analysis of a Damped Machinery Foundation Structure Using the Dynamic Stiffness Coupling Technique

Abstract

A detailed dynamic analysis is made of a heavily damped foundation structure designed for the multidirectional isolation of machinery vibrations. The principal components of the structure are damped sandwich beams and complex-shaped rubber blocks. In order to study the complete structure, each component was analyzed for its mechanical impedance data. Where possible, these were obtained theoretically, but in some cases it was necessary to resort to experimental measurement. The individual components were then connected together using the dynamic stiffness coupling technique in order to predict the vibration characteristics of the complete structure. The accuracy of the final results testifies to the feasibility of combining measured and theoretical data in this way in order to analyze a complex mechanical structure.