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Abstract:
This paper introduces and discusses a new concept of impact absorption by means of impact energy management and storage in dedicated rotating inertial discs. The effectiveness of the concept is demonstrated in a selected case-study involving spinning management, a recently developed novel impact-absorber. A specific control technique performed on this device is demonstrated to be the main source of significant improvement in the overall efficiency of impact damping process. The influence of various parameters on the performance of the shock-absorber is investigated. Design and manufacturing challenges and directions of further research are formulated.

Keywords:
adaptive impact absorption, adaptive inerter, semi-active control, shock-absorber

Abstract:
Pneumatic dampers are still an attractive subject of research in both modelling and experimental testing. Progress in the field of sensors and actuators allows to construct more and more efficient absorbers and dampers based on active or semi-active control algorithms. However, passive and semi-passive solutions are also developed because of their lower costs and simplicity. This paper presents adaptable pneumatic shock-absorber that allows to obtain optimal impact absorption and energy dissipation by a single reconfiguration performed at the beginning of the process. The absorber is composed of two cylinders including at least one narrow rectangular slot and adequate number of outflow vents precisely shaped for certain impact scenarios. During operation of the device the air is released through overlapping slots and selected vents, which provides constant value of the generated force. As a result, the shock-absorber works as a passive device but provides minimal value of the reaction force in similar manner as semi-active system equipped with fully controllable mechanical valve. The paper presents the results of numerical simulations of adaptable shock-absorber operation and attempts of demonstrator construction aimed at conducting experimental verification of the concept.

Keywords:
Adaptable, Semi-passive, Impact Absorption, Pneumatic Shock-absorber

Abstract:
Pneumatic dampers are still an attractive subject of research in both modelling and experimental testing. Progress in the field of sensors and actuators allows to construct more and more efficient absorbers and dampers based on active or semi-active control algorithms. However, passive and semi-passive solutions are also developed because of their lower costs and simplicity. This paper presents adaptable pneumatic shock-absorber that allows to obtain optimal impact absorption and energy dissipation by a single reconfiguration performed at the beginning of the process. The absorber is composed of two cylinders including at least one narrow rectangular slot and adequate number of outflow vents precisely shaped for certain impact scenarios. During operation of the device the air is released through overlapping slots and selected vents, which provides constant value of the generated force. As a result, the shock-absorber works as a passive device but provides minimal value of the reaction force in similar manner as semi-active system equipped with fully controllable mechanical valve. The paper presents the results of numerical simulations of adaptable shock-absorber operation and attempts of demonstrator construction aimed at conducting experimental verification of the concept.

Keywords:
Adaptable, Semi-passive, Impact Absorption, Pneumatic Shock-absorber.

Abstract:
The goal of this paper is to present further development of the inertial shock-absorber called SPINMAN. Application of the device in mitigation of structures response is investigated and selected case study is discussed. The specific construction and operation of the device is introduced and explained. In reference to the impact absorption problems, the SPIN-MAN is a concept of adaptive inerter device with two phases of operation. The first of them includes energy absorption and accumulation. External energy of the load is converted to kinetic energy of rotational motion of the mass. During the second phase, accumulated energy is dissipated by inverse spinning of the second mass powered by the remaining part of the impact energy. To obtain this type of operation, special switchable actuators are used. Applicability of the device in mitigation of impact-born structure response, especially in case of space systems, is investigated. General concept of the device construction and operation is adjusted to meet the requirements for space systems. This results in a fluidless, passive-like solution but adaptable to the load conditions. Tuning of the shock-absorber may be realized by manual or easily automated mechanical adjustments. Effectiveness of the solution is based on the specific on/off type of control, which is responsible for the optimal energy flow in the system and efficient dissipation of impact energy inside the SPIN-MAN. Results of numerical simulations confirmed quick and effective operation of this device.

Keywords:
structure response mitigation, adaptive impact absorption, adaptive inerter, semi-active control, shock-absorber