Performance of Non-linear Vibration Isolators Under Harmonic Excitation

Vibration isolators having non-linearity in both stiffness and damping terms are analyzed under harmonic excitations. Isolators with symmetric as well as asymmetric restoring forces are considered. The method of harmonic balance is used to obtain the steady state, harmonic response and transmissibility under both force and base excitations. The linear stability analysis of the solutions is presented. A parametric study indicating the effects of various types of damping is reported. The subharmonic and chaotic responses for the systems under investigation will be discussed in a subsequent paper.