Smart impact absorber

This paper describes a newly developed device that optimizes the impact absorption by means of semi-active control. First, various existing impact absorbers and /or isolation bearings with fix-parameters are discussed first. Then, the necessity of changing certain parameters of impact absorbers is discussed. Impact absorption must consider a broad range of loading conditions because of the large dynamic range of impact velocity, variable mass, as well as distinct materials properties. In the worst case, the impact absorber should reduce casualties. It should avoid significant damages. In general, the absorber should reduce the dynamic responses. Usually, different absorbers are fabricated to fit different applications. However, using a standard series of absorbers to deal with most of the aforementioned cases may be more economic and effective. This leads to the development of the proposed smart impact absorber, which considers optimal combination of changing natural frequency, damping, working force as well as the dynamic transfer function.