A Study on Vibration Reduction for Mechanism Systems with Damping Particles by Using Coupled Discrete Element Method and Multi-Body Dynamics: Experimental Validation and Engineering Application

Vibration suppression has always been an important task for transmission systems. Particle damping technology shows the following advantages: effective vibration reduction, resistance to high temperature and harsh environments, small additional mass, and little influence on the configuration of the original structures. Accordingly, this technology has been widely used in civil engineering, mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering. This study proposes a coupled method with discrete element method (DEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) to explore the mechanism of vibration reduction for transmission systems that contain damping particles. This study applies the particle damping technology to eccentric rotor systems to dynamically balance the centrifugal inertia force and reduce vibration during operation. Firstly, in order to validate the coupled method, two sets of experiment, including particle-based thrust damper test and free vibration test of small devices with particle damper, dash-pot and spring, are performed. The corresponding coupled simulations are carried out. The comparison of dynamic characteristics between numerical simulation and physical experiment is made so as to modify the coupled method. This coupled method is further applied to analyzing an eccentric rotor system with damping particles. The effects of the layout of particle damper, the material of the particles, and the particle filling rate on the dynamic characteristics of the eccentric rotor system are further explored to attain the optimal design of vibration reduction.The study develops a coupled method with discrete element mathematical models for damping particles and Euler-Lagrange mathematical models for the mechanical parts. After careful validation for the proposed coupled DEM-MBD model, the meso and micro behaviours (meso properties: solid fraction, strain and stress; micro properties: friction loss energy, collision loss energy, force chain, coordination number and fabric) will be evaluated. The mechanism of vibration reduction for transmission systems with damping particles will be systematically explored. This project will provide useful and valuable strategies for DEM and MBD applications to realistic engineering problems in manufacturing industries.