초록 ▼

A metal spring with embedded constrained layer damping provides effective damping of a supported load. A continuous load bearing tube is provided with an inner diameter and an outer diameter with a plurality of constraining layer tube sections concentric with the load bearing tube and spaced along t

A metal spring with embedded constrained layer damping provides effective damping of a supported load. A continuous load bearing tube is provided with an inner diameter and an outer diameter with a plurality of constraining layer tube sections concentric with the load bearing tube and spaced along the load bearing tube. A damping layer of a viscoelastic material contacts facing surfaces of the continuous load bearing tube and the constraining layer tube sections so that shear strains are induced in the viscoelastic material from relative rotation of the load bearing tube and the constraining layer sections to provide damping of an applied load. In one embodiment, the constraining layer tube sections and damping are within the load bearing continuous tube and the continuous tube is sealed at each end to permit use of the spring in a vacuum environment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A metal spring comprising:a continuous load bearing cylindrical structure that undergoes torsional deformation under an applied torsional load;a plurality of constraining layer cylindrical sections that are not directly torsional loaded and remain relatively undeformed as

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A metal spring comprising:a continuous load bearing cylindrical structure that undergoes torsional deformation under an applied torsional load;a plurality of constraining layer cylindrical sections that are not directly torsional loaded and remain relatively undeformed as the continuous cylindrical structure is torsionally loaded, and are concentric with the load bearing structure and spaced along the load bearing structure; anda damping layer of a viscoelastic material contacting facing surfaces of the continuous load bearing structure and the constraining layer cylindrical sections so that shear strains are induced in the viscoelastic material from the relative torsional rotation of the load bearing tube and the relatively undeformed movement of the constraining layer sections to provide damping of an applied load.