An inerter is a mass-like, two-node, mechanical device with the unusual property that the force applied across it is proportional to the relative acceleration of the nodes (in a similar way that the force applied to a spring is proportional to the relative displacements of the ends). It has unusual dynamic properties that have a range of potential applications in dynamic systems. The fluid helix inerter is one proposed design which involves a cylinder of fluid, a piston and a helical tube connecting the ends (it doesn’t have to be helical at all, but that’s what its become known as….).
The aim of this project is to design an inerter (based on models in the literature), manufacture it and characterise it (i.e. measure the relations between forces and accelerations and from them determine the system parameters). Proper characterisation is rarely performed. This will involve vibration shaker testing and spectral analysis of the resulting signals. If time permits we can look at application to vibration control.
Undergraduate
A fluid helix inerter accurately characterised
MECHENG 722 desirable but not essential
Lab allocations have not been finalised