A novel concept for adaptive friction damper based on electrostatic adhesion

This work presents a novel concept for an adaptive friction damper based on electrostatic adhesion for medium to small industrial applications and investigates the effects of electrostatic tuning on the energy dissipated by the damper under quasi-static as well as dynamic conditions. The novel damper has a low mechanical complexity. The amount of energy dissipated can be controlled through an electric voltage and be easily adapted to different working conditions. The concept is based on a stack of electrostatic clutches hinged around a common axis, which can dissipate energy through Coulomb friction. An electric field is used to vary the maximum shear stress transferred by the clutches and, consequently, to control the damping level. A prototype of the damper was manufactured and tested. The experimental results demonstrate the increase in the resistive moment of the clutches with increasing electric field and display the capability of the concept to adapt the damping level of a single-degree-of-freedom resonating system. The presented concept might replace linear dampers in rotating machines operating at different regimes, in road vehicles as well as in aircrafts.