Active material application for shock and impact energy absorbtion

Abstract

Perfection of energy absorbtion means is the current trend in oscillation and shock suppression systems development. Active materials, which are able to convert mechanical energy into another kind and dissipate it, are promising in the field. Their employment for oscillation suppression is elaborated well enough, but their application for the shock and impact process control remains a challenge. The present paper discusses applications of active materials for shock and impact energy absorbtion and its control. Possibilities of employing piezoelectric materials for the development of systems in which the shock and impact characteristics become controllable are considered. One of possibility consists in the control of friction between contact elements of the system links what makes possible to control the structure of the impact system. Shock energy conversion into electric energy in piezomaterial and its dissipation is another possibility, including the damping parameters alteration possibility. Composite structures containing piezomaterial and electro rheological materials allow us to develop adaptive energy absorbing systems with extended possibilities to regulate process parameters within a wide range. Such systems are adjustable and need no external energy sources. Systems based on active material can be successfully used in various shock suppression applications. Sports Engineering area can be mentioned as a one of the most challenging.