Periodic Struts for Gearbox Support System

Abstract

Passive periodic structures exhibit unique dynamic characteristics that make them act as mechanical filters for wave propagation. As a result, waves can propagate along the periodic structures only within specific frequency bands called “pass bands” and wave propagation is completely blocked within other frequency bands called “stop bands”. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on developing a new class of these periodic structures called passive periodic struts, which can be used to support gearbox systems on the airframes of helicopters. When designed properly, the passive periodic strut can stop the propagation of vibration from the gearbox to the airframe within critical frequency bands, consequently minimizing the effects of transmission of undesirable vibration and sound radiation to the helicopter cabin. The theory governing the operation of this class of passive periodic struts is introduced and their filtering characteristics are demonstrated experimentally as a function of their design parameters. The presented concept of the passive periodic strut can be easily used in many applications to control the wave propagation and the force transmission in both the spectral and spatial domains in an attempt to stop/confine the propagation of undesirable disturbances.