A smart piezoelastomer-based sensing damper: design, analysis and experimental validation

Elastomeric dampers are largely used from the industrial, up to building and construction industries to avoid or limit vibration transmission that could be critical for the system itself or for the operator. This study presents a smart damper composed of a piezo-elastomeric polymer, interposed between metallic parts and realised similarly to devices available in the market, with a conic shape to avoid misalignments. The piezo-elastomer combines high damping and sensing properties, allowing the possibility of avoiding the installation of dedicated sensors and systems that potentially reduce essential costs. Its realisation includes a cured casting process, allowing us to create it in arbitrary shapes. Cyclic compression tests with simultaneous voltage signal monitoring confirmed that its sensing capabilities are positively affected by the excitation frequency and compression load exerted. A lubricant grease inclusion has been considered to limit the shear stress in the elastomer. Experimental tests were also conducted toggling the presence of lubricant grease, which strongly reduced voltage signals. Results show an overall energy dissipation between 15 and 40% and voltage output up to 0.25 V root mean square, with a 1 MOhm load resistor. Results confirmed the good integration of damping and sensing capabilities in a single, simple device.