Novel magnetic levitation systems for the vibration control of lightweight structures and artworks

Abstract

This work designs, models, and experimentally validates novel magnetic levitation systems for the vibration isolation of lightweight structures and artworks. 2D and 3D passive vibration isolators are studied, making use of easy-to-assemble 3D-printed components and neodymium magnets. An optimized design of the number of magnets and the 3D printing process of the stabilizing parts allows us to finely tune the resonant frequencies and the vibration isolation performances. Ratios between the maximum horizontal and vertical accelerations, exhibited by the floating bodies, and the maximum horizontal acceleration applied to the base of the system are provided, for varying excitation frequencies. With these outputs, we show that it is possible to optimize the main design parameters of the isolation system, by targeting the desired frequency window, for a given payload.