Tuned Damper Member Lattice Network Acoustic Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damper members face challenges in effectively tuning acoustic attenuation to a target vibrational mode, particularly due to limited material selection options and difficulty in achieving precise geometry control in composite structures.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a lattice network using additive powder forming techniques and depositing a matrix material within interconnected pores, with geometry and material selection tailored by computer-aided design to optimize acoustic attenuation, including the use of metallic and polymeric materials with varying acoustic impedances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a porous metal foam composite structure is used with limited material selection, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to tune acoustic attenuation to target vibrational mode is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidtuning ability to target vibrational mode
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The damper member is segmented into two distinct functional components: a lattice network structure and a matrix material. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the lattice network provides geometric tunability through additive manufacturing, while the matrix material contributes acoustic impedance contrast, together enabling precise tuning to target vibrational modes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure combining a lattice network (made from metal powder via additive manufacturing) with a matrix material (such as resin or polymer). This composite approach integrates two different material systems with complementary properties, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and enhanced tuning capability by leveraging the strengths of each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If closely tuning the damper member to a target vibrational mode is attempted using conventional composite structures, then vibrational attenuation is enhanced, but the tuning process becomes difficult and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibrational attenuation effectivenessVSAvoidtuning precision to target vibrational mode
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical tuning methods with additive manufacturing technology. The lattice network is built layer-by-layer using metal powder and additive manufacturing processes, allowing precise control of geometric parameters (cell size, wall thickness, connectivity) to exactly match target vibrational mode requirements, thereby achieving high tuning precision that was unattainable with conventional composite structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the lattice network geometry (such as cell size, wall thickness, porosity, and connectivity) to precisely tune the acoustic attenuation characteristics. By varying these geometric parameters during additive manufacturing, the damper member can be customized to target specific vibrational modes with high precision, directly linking structural parameters to acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for precise tuning of acoustic attenuation, enhancing vibrational damping by combining material and geometric design to achieve targeted vibrational mode attenuation, improving energy loss and scattering mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

The lattice network has a first acoustic impedance and the matrix has a second, different acoustic impedance... tuning the acoustic attenuation according to the target vibrational mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The lattice network includes interconnected pores... filled with a matrix of a second, different material... enhancing vibrational damping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2855963B1Tuned damper member
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE INC
  • EP2855963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2855963B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of making a damper member includes forming a lattice network of a first material using an additive powder forming technique. The lattice network includes interconnected pores. A matrix of a second, different material is then deposited within the interconnected pores to form a damper member having an acoustic attenuation that is tuned to dampen a target vibrational mode.