Note: A kinematic shaker system for high amplitude, low frequency vibration testing

Journal Article · Thu Nov 05 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4935148· OSTI ID:1421559

Swaminathan, Anand; Poese, Matthew E.; Smith, Robert W. M. ; Garrett, Steven L.

This note describes a shaker system capable of high peak-velocity, large amplitude, low frequency, near-sinusoidal excitation that has been constructed and employed in experiments on the inhibition of Rayleigh-Bénard convection using acceleration modulation. The production of high peak-velocity vibration is of interest in parametric excitation problems of this type and reaches beyond the capabilities of standard electromagnetic shakers. The shaker system described employs a kinematic linkage to two counter-rotating flywheels, driven by a variable-speed electrical motor, producing peak-to-peak displacements of 15.24 cm to a platform mounted on two guide rails. In operation, this shaker has been demonstrated to produce peak speeds of up to 3.7 m/s without failure.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
• OSTI ID: 1421559
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Vol. 86 Journal Issue: 11; ISSN 0034-6748
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English