Dynamic modeling and verification of the flexure-based vibration table

Abstract

A new technique for testing in a combined vibration and acceleration environment was recently developed in our lab. A vibration modular which is composed of the piezo-actuator and amplified compliant mechanism is utilized to provide the specified vibration environment. The vibration modular is light- weight and robust which allow it to survive in much higher acceleration envi- ronment than traditional mechanical shakers. Additionally, the instrument is scalable, that is, adding more vibration units in parallel or in series can support large-weight test articles or wide range of frequency response. However, vibra- tion testing with piezo-actuator and amplified compliant mechanism is more difficult in some aspects in comparison to the traditional mechanical shakers. The piezo-actuated shaker assemblies generally require dynamic modeling and performance prediction, modal analysis and in most cases synchronization con- trol to meet the required vibration specifications. A new method is conducted to achieve natural frequency of the developed vibration system. Then, key charac- teristics of the compliant mechanism are able to be determined. The design and modeling along with test results will be presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the new piezo-actuated shakers.