Multi-material Topology Optimization for Passive Vibration Isolators – Analysis & Validation
A. Urbani (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Arnoud Delissen – Mentor (TNO)
Jieun Yang – Mentor
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Abstract
Vibration isolators reduce the transmission of unwanted disturbances to a sensitive payload, thereby protecting mounted instruments and enhancing their operational accuracy.
This thesis focuses on improving and validating experimentally a topology optimization framework that aims to design passive vibration isolators using both structurally stiff and viscoelastic materials. The framework models the in-plane system dynamics in three degrees of freedom while accounting for frequency-dependent material properties and stress constraints. The objective is to optimize damping either for individual rigid-body modes or for all modes simultaneously.
The designs are then converted into 3D models, manufactured using multi-material additive manufacturing, and validated through finite-element simulations and experimental shaker testing. The framework shows strong agreement with 2D finite-element models, accurately predicting primary rigid-body modes and damping characteristics. Experimental results confirm the intended dynamic behavior of the optimized designs, although discrepancies in resonance frequencies and damping remain.
Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of multi-material topology optimization for the creation of customized passive vibration isolators, while identifying key modeling and manufacturing refinements required for practical application.