Optimal Particle Damping

Granular (particle) damping is a cost-effective technique for vibration reduction and control. It is a non-obstructive technique using fine metal particles embedded within a machine structure. When vibrated, the particle would dissipate energy through inter-particle and particle-structure impacts.

A fundamental problem is to develop an accurate and general model of the granular damping for its “surgical” embedding and placements. This project is to investigate a discrete element model with high particle density and experimental verification of the computational model.

Damping Scheme

Application

Simulation

1. modeling, simulation and characterization of the complex friction and impact damping mechanisms and their relative effectiveness,

2. complete computer-based design methods for achieving the minimally invasive damping objectives, and

3. experimental verification and implementation for realistic demonstration of the success of the project. 

• HKSAR Research Grants Council (RGC) Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (CERG), Minimally-Invasive Techniques of Particle Vibration Damping (CUHK4196/01E).

• HKSAR Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) and ASM Assembly Automation Ltd., Novel Technologies for High-Performance Vibration Damping and Compact Motion-Stages for Electronics Manufacturing Equipment (UIM/16).

• The Croucher Foundation, Visitorship for a PRC Scholar: Particle Damping for Vibration Reduction.