The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers

The major focus of this work is to examine the dynamics of velocity amplification through pair-wise collisions between multiple masses in a chain, in order to develop useful machines. For instance low-cost machines based on this principle could be used for detailed, very-high acceleration shock-test...

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Main Authors: Bryan Rodgers, Suresh Goyal, Gerard Kelly, Michael Sheehy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2009-01-01
Series:Shock and Vibration
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/SAV-2009-0467
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author Bryan Rodgers
Suresh Goyal
Gerard Kelly
Michael Sheehy
author_facet Bryan Rodgers
Suresh Goyal
Gerard Kelly
Michael Sheehy
author_sort Bryan Rodgers
collection DOAJ
description The major focus of this work is to examine the dynamics of velocity amplification through pair-wise collisions between multiple masses in a chain, in order to develop useful machines. For instance low-cost machines based on this principle could be used for detailed, very-high acceleration shock-testing of MEMS devices. A theoretical basis for determining the number and mass of intermediate stages in such a velocity amplifier, based on simple rigid body mechanics, is proposed. The influence of mass ratios and the coefficient of restitution on the optimisation of the system is identified and investigated. In particular, two cases are examined: in the first, the velocity of the final mass in the chain (that would have the object under test mounted on it) is maximised by defining the ratio of adjacent masses according to a power law relationship; in the second, the energy transfer efficiency of the system is maximised by choosing the mass ratios such that all masses except the final mass come to rest following impact. Comparisons are drawn between both cases and the results are used in proposing design guidelines for optimal shock amplifiers. It is shown that for most practical systems, a shock amplifier with mass ratios based on a power law relationship is optimal and can easily yield velocity amplifications of a factor 5–8 times. A prototype shock testing machine that was made using above principles is briefly introduced.
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spelling doaj-art-97a14628938f48b894e355e6f752a82e2025-08-20T02:10:07ZengWileyShock and Vibration1070-96221875-92032009-01-011619911610.3233/SAV-2009-0467The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock AmplifiersBryan Rodgers0Suresh Goyal1Gerard Kelly2Michael Sheehy3CTVR, Stokes Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IrelandBell Labs Ireland, Alcatel-Lucent, Blanchardstown Industrial Park, Dublin 15, IrelandCTVR, Stokes Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IrelandCTVR, Stokes Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, IrelandThe major focus of this work is to examine the dynamics of velocity amplification through pair-wise collisions between multiple masses in a chain, in order to develop useful machines. For instance low-cost machines based on this principle could be used for detailed, very-high acceleration shock-testing of MEMS devices. A theoretical basis for determining the number and mass of intermediate stages in such a velocity amplifier, based on simple rigid body mechanics, is proposed. The influence of mass ratios and the coefficient of restitution on the optimisation of the system is identified and investigated. In particular, two cases are examined: in the first, the velocity of the final mass in the chain (that would have the object under test mounted on it) is maximised by defining the ratio of adjacent masses according to a power law relationship; in the second, the energy transfer efficiency of the system is maximised by choosing the mass ratios such that all masses except the final mass come to rest following impact. Comparisons are drawn between both cases and the results are used in proposing design guidelines for optimal shock amplifiers. It is shown that for most practical systems, a shock amplifier with mass ratios based on a power law relationship is optimal and can easily yield velocity amplifications of a factor 5–8 times. A prototype shock testing machine that was made using above principles is briefly introduced.http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/SAV-2009-0467
spellingShingle Bryan Rodgers
Suresh Goyal
Gerard Kelly
Michael Sheehy
The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
Shock and Vibration
title The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
title_full The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
title_fullStr The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
title_full_unstemmed The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
title_short The Dynamics of Multiple Pair-Wise Collisions in a Chain for Designing Optimal Shock Amplifiers
title_sort dynamics of multiple pair wise collisions in a chain for designing optimal shock amplifiers
url http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/SAV-2009-0467
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