Broadening Applicability of Zero-Stiffness Dampening: Active Pressure Modulation in Hyper-Elastic Dampers*

In prior research, a novel pulsation dampening device, labeled as a "hyper-elastic damper," was developed, comprising of hyperelastic materials. The inherent properties of these materials enabled the damper to exhibit a unique zero-stiffness characteristic within a specified deformation range. The nonlinear relationship between stress and strain in the materials facilitated this unique property. Such a feature made it possible for the damper to significantly decrease micro-pulsations in fluid transport systems, with reductions reaching up to 97%. Remarkably, this high level of performance was achieved without the need for external control, additional sensors, or power consumption. However, a limitation became evident - the zero-stiffness property was confined to specific pressure conditions, restricting the damper's broader applicability.

The focus of the current study is to address this limitation. We propose a more advanced damper design that includes an external chamber capable of modulating pressure actively. The introduction of this feature facilitates the damper to leverage zero-stiffness properties across an array of systems, effectively overcoming the pressure limitations of the original design. Our experimental validation provides strong evidence that the redesigned damper retains the high-efficiency pulsation reduction of the original model while demonstrating enhanced adaptability to various system conditions.

The potential impact of these advancements on industries reliant on precision fluid handling, such as semiconductor manufacturing, could be substantial. This research opens up opportunities for notable improvements in manufacturing yields and overall operational efficiency. In essence, our study represents a significant stride towards the broader implementation and application of zero-stiffness dampening technology, with the promise of improved productivity and efficiency across diverse industry sectors.