Vibration isolation using a bar and an Euler beam as negative stiffness for vehicle seat comfort

Abstract

In this article, the behavior and the efficiency of a nonlinear passive vibration isolator based on a bar and an Euler beam are investigated analytically. The proposed isolator is specifically for isolating vehicle seat from unwanted disturbances in the low frequency range, thereby making the seat comfortable for the driver. The static characteristics of the negative stiffness as well as the nonlinear mathematical model are presented, and its dynamic characteristics are investigated using the harmonic balance method. In addition, the effect of the initial geometric imperfection of the Euler beam is included in the study. The study shows that the performance of the negative isolator has a large isolation frequency range than that of the linear isolator. The configuration parameter choice for the seat base will be vital for the suitable application of this isolator.