Variable Amplitude Passive Aircraft Vibration and Noise Reduction Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-021 Topic Title: Variable Amplitude Passive Aircraft Vibration and Noise Reduction Proposal No.: N161-021-0363 Firm: Mide Technology Corporation 200 Boston Avenue Suite 1000 Medford, Massachusetts 2155 Contact: Jeff Court Phone: (781) 306-0609 Web Site: http://www.mide.com Abstract: Vibrations in equipment such as aircraft can be harmful to occupants as well as the equipment. Large vibrations can loosen fasteners, cause fatigue failures, increase fatigue on people, and cause auditory discomfort. The reduction of these vibrations is beneficial to the aircraft and occupants. Typical passive vibration reduction systems are limited in bandwidth (such as TVAs), very temperature sensitive (such as TMDs), or susceptible to nonlinear behavior when over excited (TVAs and TMDs). Mid� proposes a next generation vibration damping system that utilizes smart materials. The system is scalable to a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. It is self-tuning, passive, and adaptive. The system is able to respond to changes in vibration frequency by changing its stiffness and changes in vibration amplitude by limiting amplitude of the damper based on the phase of the excitation frequency. These next generation dampers will have a wider bandwidth and higher damping than legacy dampers while remaining easy to install and free of operator intervention. Benefits: The proposed vibration damping technology is able to adapt and self-tune as the vibration frequency and amplitude change. This smart system is very beneficial to fields where vibration and noise are a problem. Particular applications are in automotive, aerospace (planes), industrial equipment, and manufacturing machinery. Reductions in vibrations allow equipment to last longer, run smoother, and reduces human fatigue. In the transportation field, vibration reduction will result in a quieter and smoother ride for passengers. Beyond increased passenger comfort, the reduced vibrations will reduce wear and tear on vehicle components. Vibrations in manufacturing and industrial equipment are very common. Vibrations can lead to many negative effects including operator fatigue, premature equipment wear, components loosening, and increased noise in the area. Overall reductions in the equipment vibrations will save money and valuable equipment time. Return