A frictionless lightweight active vibration control mount for small UAS

Abstract

A precision active vibration mount with a frictionless magnetic hinge system will be utilized to compensate for small attitude fluctuations to enhance the effectiveness of imaging and pointing systems onboard small Unmanned Aircraft Systems at the University of North Dakota. The system consists of a custom lightweight composite mounting plate, piezoelectric actuators, and a digital controller to actively control flight vibrations. Embedded magnets hold the composite mounting plate in place creating a conservative system, and piezoelectric stack actuators are used to precisely displace the plate. This lossless mount is an essential component in a project trying to establish point to point laser communication. Using the magnetic composite mounting plate reduces the number of components, creates a stiff and lightweight mounting surface, and removes friction from the vibration mount which creates a system with no hysteresis. The focus of this active vibration control system is to compensate for small deflections due to engine vibrations or air turbulence. Alongside a gimbal that compensates for large attitude changes, the mount creates a stable platform for precise imaging and pointing. Static and dynamic testing of the active vibration mount will verify the effectiveness of the stabilization system. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2012.