Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/T28393/01
Title:	Semiactive Particle Damper
Principal Investigator:	Rongong, Dr JA
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Mechanical Engineering
Organisation:	University of Sheffield
Scheme:	First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts:	01 June 2005	Ends:	31 May 2007	Value (£):	123,737
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Eng. Dynamics & Tribology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
An effective way to reduce resonant vibration is to increase the damping in the structure. Particle dampers are an attractive solution as they are low cost, rugged and their performance is independent of temperature. In its simplest form, a particle damper comprises a rigid container filled with spherical particles. As it vibrates, impacts and friction between the particles dissipate energy, damping the system it is attached to. Their use has been limited because their damping performance depends on the amplitude of vibration in a highly non-linear manner making them difficult to understand let alone design.The aim of this project is to devise a damper that adapts its optimum damping condition to match the amplitude of vibration experienced. To achieve this, a thorough understanding of the factors affecting damper amplitude-dependency will be obtained using both numerical and experimental techniques. Ways to sense and modify this behaviour while the system is operating will investigated thoroughly. These elements will then be combined to create the adaptive damper and its effectiveness will be demonstrated on various components.The project (cost 116K, duration 2 years) will be conducted by staff at the University of Sheffield. Assistance in tracking the motion of individual particles will be obtained from the Universities of Cambridge and Birmingham. Support in the characterisation of dampers and the development of prediction methods will also be received from Penn State University. In terms of potential end users, strong interest has been expressed by Rolls-Royce plc and Merloni Elettrodomesticiti.
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.shef.ac.uk