Experimental examination of wire mesh dampers subjected to large amplitude displacements

Wire mesh dampers are under investigation because they are seen as replacements for squeeze film dampers as a source of direct stiffness and damping at bearing locations. There are several advantages of wire mesh dampers over squeeze film dampers, including: temperature insensitivity, oil-free operation, and the ability to contain large amplitude vibrations. Furthermore, due to their direct damping and lack of cross-coupled stiffness, the wire mesh reduces the response to imbalance and increases the stability of the system. The objective of this research was to determine the properties of wire mesh dampers under large amplitude vibrations. Impact testing was first conducted on the wire mesh as a means of obtaining the large amplitudes that were of interest. Next, to verify the results, a second methodology was employed using shaker testing. It was found that both the stiffness and hysteretic damping decrease with increasing displacement. However, they both approached asymptotes around 2 mils of displacement, and further increases in displacement had significantly less effect on the properties. Once the results were verified to be consistent, equations were obtained to describe the response of the wire mesh dampers. These equations were then used to create a new design workbook, which would allow an engineer to determine the properties of wire mesh dampers under conditions that they might experience.