Vibration Isolation

Vibration isolation is a procedure by which the undesirable effects of vibration are reduced. Basically, it involves the insertion of a resilient member between the vibrating mass and the source of vibration so that a reduction in the dynamic response of the system is achieved under specified conditions of vibration excitation. An isolation system is said to be active or passive depending on whether or not external power is required for the isolator to perform its function. A passive isolator consists of a resilient member (stiffness) and an energy dissipator (damping). Examples of passive isolators include metal springs, cork, felt, pneumatic springs, and elastomer (rubber) springs. An active isolator is comprised of a servomechanism with a sensor, Signal processor, and actuator.