Unique Hybrid Composite Structures as Shock/Vibration Isolators Navy SBIR FY2005.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.3 Topic No.: N05-151 Topic Title: Unique Hybrid Composite Structures as Shock/Vibration Isolators Proposal No.: N053-151-0653 Firm: KaZaK Composites Incorporated 10F GIll Street Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-1721 Contact: Mike McAleenan Phone: (207) 371-2568 Web Site: kazakcomposites.com Abstract: An innovative shock and vibration isolator is proposed. Its unique hybrid material structure will mitigate unfavorable weight, cost and space consequences imposed by today's isolators. It will address shock and vibration mitigation within the same isolation system. Commonality of design will allow scale-up to isolate large and heavy machinery, and scale-down to isolate sensitive electronics. The proposed isolator consists of a unique material combination, resulting in a highly resilient global structure. In a previous program, KaZaK demonstrated an automated manufacturing technology that can be readily adapted to manufacture components of any size, and at low cost. Application of the proposed hybrid technology in vibration and especially in shock isolation, where space is limited, can lead to a number of benefits including excellent recovering capability, good energy dissipation, frequency independent behavior, strain hardening at large displacements, and stable hysteretic behavior. KaZaK will draw upon our considerable experience with the proposed device for other load scenarios, and move rapidly to Phase I design, fabrication and testing of full scale devices. Results from Phase I tests will provide the Navy with a quick look at viability of this major innovation to shock and vibration technology. Benefits: By far the largest commercial opportunity for the proposed hybrid material combination is in the vibration and shock isolation market serving such industries as the semiconductor, automotive, railroads, heavy HVAC equipments, electrical machinery, aircraft and manufacturing facilities. Other applications for new isolator technology include space based systems, as well as aircraft (in particular UAVs), and manufacturers with applications where structural actuation or shape morphing is desired. For automotive applications, availability of large composite structures based on the proposed material combinations would enable their use in car frames and for engine isolation. The materials technology used in these devices, if applied to structural panels, could perhaps allow recovery of original shape after suffering impact damage. Many other applications for devices made with this technology can be envisioned, including fasteners, clamps, connectors, and seals. Return