Piezoelectric elements are widely used for damping micro-vibrations in mechanical structures. Active damping can be realised robustly by means of collocated actuator-sensor-pairs, controlled so as to extract vibration energy. Excellent damping performance is possible as long as sufficient controllability is assured. Passive damping based on a single piezoelectric element can be realised by the ...

Vertebrates and arthropods are both capable of load compensation during aimed limb movements, such as reaching and grooming. We measured the kinematics and activity of individual motoneurons in loaded and unloaded leg movements in an insect. To evaluate the role of active and passive musculoskeletal properties in aiming and load compensation, we used a neuromechanical model of the femur-tibia j...

A BSTRACT : Stay cables, such as are used in cable-stayed bridges, are prone to vibration due to their low inherent damping characteristics. Transversely-attached passive viscous dampers have been implemented in many bridges to dampen such vibration. Several studies have investigated optimal passive linear viscous dampers; however, even the optimal passive device can only add a small amount of ...

The increase in bearing displacements of sliding isolated buildings due to near-fault earthquakes, with long-period pulse type of ground motion, is an important problem. Often, supplemental nonlinear passive dampers are incorporated into the isolation system to reduce the base displacements; however, this may increase the interstory drifts and accelerations in the superstructure. Hence, there i...

Cables, such as are used in cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, guy wires, transmission lines, and flexible space structures, are prone to vibration due to their low inherent damping characteristics. The mitigation of cable vibration is necessary to minimize negative impact. Transversely-attached passive viscous dampers have been implemented on some cables to dampen vibration. However, it...

Cables, such as are used in cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, guy wires, transmission lines, and flexible space structures, are prone to vibration due to their low inherent damping characteristics. The mitigation of cable vibration is necessary to minimize negative impact. Transversely-attached passive viscous dampers have been implemented on some cables to dampen vibration. However, it...

Passive damping of structural dynamics using piezoceramic electromechanical energy conversion and passive electrical networks is a relatively recent concept with little implementation experience base. This report describes an implementation case study, starting from conceptual design and technique selection, through detailed component design and testing to simulation on the structrure to be dam...