Study on the optimization of the shock isolation system based on the limiting performance analysis

Selecting suitable stiffness for shock isolation system is conventional design mode; there is a bug in this design mode: high shock isolation efficiency always results in large relative displacement. A more feasible design mode is proposed based on the optimal control force: at the beginning of shock response, the relative displacement is small and relative velocity is high, control force should be offered by damping mostly; when the relative velocity become low and relative displacement become large, control force should be offered by spring mostly. The critical initial velocity is decided by limiting performance analysis. In that condition, the optimal control force can be realized by passive device if the function of force–relative displacement and force–relative velocity comply with some rule. The higher shock isolation efficiency and the smaller relative displacement will be achieved at the same time. An optimal shock isolation system is constructed based on quadratic damping and linear stiffness, and that is proved theoretically. The optimal model is calculated by Runge–Kutta method, and the significant conclusion is obtained: comparing with conventional shock isolation system, the optimal system that is designed with the new mode can get more excellent shock isolation performance. © 2013, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.