Design and modeling of the CVT for adjustable inerter

In this paper we investigate an inerter equipped with a prototype continuously variable transmission (CVT) designed for the novel tuned mass damper. Inerter enables stepless changes of inertance via varying transmission ratio of the CVT. The main difference from classical inerter is addition of CVT, hence we present its design and properties in details. Motion of the proposed CVT is oscillatory and we test it for the actual working conditions. We derive the mathematical model of the system that include dissipation via dry friction. We analyse the actual transmission ratio, internal motion resistances and identify the inertia of CVT components using energy conservation method and validate further. Finally, we apply actual working conditions and compare the experimental and numerical exciting torques of the CVT. We obtain good agreement between them, hence the proposed model is robust and gives reliable results. (C) 2018 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.